Valentine’s Day can be a tricky one for singles. Do we look straight ahead and act like it isn’t happening? Or do you go all in and send cards and candy to everyone you know and make your home look like someone threw up pink, red, and hearts all over it? (The latter is probably more of a girl issue, we know.)
But in all seriousness, what’s the deal? How now shall we Valentine’s Day? What’s the healthiest way of dealing with this holiday that’s generated to celebrate that one thing that many of us don’t have yet desperately want?
SingleRoots Writers Say…
For wise counsel, we asked some of our SingleRoots alumni writers to weigh in on the matter. Here’s what they had to say:
“Valentine’s Day exists. Saying you don’t believe in it only makes you appear to be a bitter single. On the other hand, wearing red and holding a rose between your teeth all day makes you appear desperate. It’s a fine line. The truth is, Valentine’s Day is a day created for lovers and schoolchildren. If you’re neither of these things, just grin and bear it. Who knows? You may even get a valentine in your mailbox.”
:: Ruth Rutherford, author of Hopelessly Devoted?
“If it’s a source of pain for you, acknowledge it to your close community, schedule a night out, and celebrate! If you’re indifferent, find someone in your community that might be more affected, schedule a night out, and celebrate! And if you’re a dude, ask a girl out around that time (maybe not for that exact night…), take her out (i.e. pay for her meal), and celebrate!”
:: W. Brandon Howard, author of Changing the Way I Think
“The key to me here is what is healthy for you right now. If you want to go out with some friends and enjoy it, why not? But honestly most of my 20 years of singleness, I didn’t even worry about it.”
:: Justin Campbell, author of Jesus and the Suffering Single
“Acknowledge it and love on others. Not to be so ‘churchy’ but also let it serve as a reminder of God’s love for you. I have had some truly bad Valentine’s Days when I was actually in relationships because the pressure of living up to the hype. Celebrate the love you have for your friends, your family, those who mean alot to you in your life. Valentine’s Day, while definitely created for consumerism, doesn’t have to be just for people who are married or in relationships.”
:: Sara Stacy, author of We’re Not Made to Be Alone
Explore the Topic Further…
For further discussion on celebrating or going on a date this Valentine’s Day, check out these posts:
A Valentine’s Day Story :: Yes, No, or Maybe? – “I was a man on a mission and a rebel with a cause. Every morning I would get up, spend 30 minutes parting my hair perfectly on the left side and applying ample amounts of hairspray while I plotted my plan of attack. The object of my affection would soon be mine and Valentine’s Day would be the perfect opportunity.”
The Science on How to Get a Second Date – “I used to stress myself out on doing things right on the first date so I could get a second. I screwed up so many first dates and, honestly, I’m glad I did. It kept me out of relationships that would have otherwise been a waste of my time. Be encouraged: Being bad at the dating game just makes it easy to know when you find the real thing.”
Thoughts on a First Date – “So as I sit in my closet getting ready to leave for this first date, I am asking the Lord what His heart is for those of us in this awkward dating season. The first thing my flesh wants to yell is that all of you married gals better be telling God thank you that you made it out! Ha! But I am not sure that plain old survival is God’s heart for this season.”
