CHECK IT OUT!!!! 9 Ways To Enjoy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day after a breakup can be one of the most frustrating times of the year. No matter where you go, you can't seem to get away from all the "love" in the air.

Even if you're not particularly devastated about your
new relationship status, seeing all the Cupid dolls and
heart-shaped boxes of candy can't help but make it hit
home.

If you're newly single or want to cheer up a friend
who is, here are some fun activities for Valentine's
Day after a breakup.

1. Do that thing you wanted to do but didn't during the relationship.
Perhaps this should read "because of the relationship
rather than during it". Take that cooking class you
never had time for. Go to that restaurant you loved
but he/she hated. If you're the "dance in your
underwear" type, do that. It doesn't matter what you
do; the idea is to get back to you. This can be done at any time, but doing it on Valentine's Day after a
breakup can kick-start the healing process.

2. Do something kind for your friends

Just like we did in elementary school, give your friends
Valentine's gifts. My dad used to give us chocolates
or Hershey Miniatures on Valentine's Day just for the
fun of it, and I did the same for my friends. If you
work in an office, make an edible Valentine's card out
of a huge cookie with red and white icing. After all, who doesn't love cookies? Cup cakes or a pastry with
aptly arranged sliced strawberries will do if you prefer.
The point is to do something nice for your friends and
others around you; who knows, they might return the
favor one day.

3. Do something kind for a complete stranger

If you're having a hard time, chances are someone else
is too. Helping others is a great way to take your mind
off of your own problems.

4. Hang out with your single friends to take your mind off it

If there are other uncoupled people in your group, get
together for a night of dinner or drinks. If you don't
have any single friends, a lot of communities have
singles' meet-ups or interest-specific groups.


5. Play music that suits the day and your mood

I know I've mentioned making mix CDs and playlists
for certain moods in other posts, but I really believe in
the healing power of a good song. Funny, sad, angry
or just plain weird-play which ever songs work for you.
If you're musical, write one of your own.

6. Memories

Believe it or not, going through old love letters can
help you brave the love-soaked day alone. I'm not
talking about letters or pictures of your recent ex - I'm
talking about anything you might have from other
past boyfriends. When I read a poem a guy wrote for
me in college right after a breakup years later, it reminded me that love is indeed out there and I will
find it again.

7. Celebrate something completely different

If some of your friends has a birthday in February or
you just want to have a belated winter holiday
celebration, go for it. If you can't think of anything,
make something up!

8. Buy yourself something special

Buy something you have been longing for. That great-
smelling lotion and body wash? Get it. It doesn't have
to be expensive, just something you don't normally
get for yourself. Even a peach daiquiri will do. If the
bartender's hot and single, consider that a head start
for next year.

9. Above all, love yourself and do something just for you

Take a hot bath. Give yourself a manicure. Go out for
dessert, watch that new Nollywood movie or make
yourself a nice cappuccino. It doesn't really matter
what you do, just indulge yourself. You deserve it.

Being newly single can be rough any time of the year,
but some find it especially difficult when everything
they see reminds them of love. If you think about it, a
break-up isn't only about "the end"; it can also be a
new beginning. Whether you find a new love or embrace being single,
caring for yourself and others can help remind you
that there's more than one kind of love.