More like "Happy Single Awareness Day"

So I promised myself that I would write a blog for those who happen to be on the other side of Valentine's Day this year. Some singles totally ignore and deny the reality of Valentine's Day.(Raise your hand if you are that person) Others simply embrace Single Awareness Day and are happy with that, others not so much. We all have experienced this side of the holiday at some point and depending on how we handle it determines how many "love is for losers" or "This holiday isn't even a real holiday, it's pointless" comments we make. 

I have decided to share a few tips that I have learned on how to survive and handle Single Awareness Day this year. Again, I am no expert, but I have had my share of single Valentine days. I must give credit to Eric Treuil for an indirect contribute to this blog. Here it goes:

1. There is Hope- The great thing about this holiday is that the way you celebrate can change every year. So that means, if you are single this year, you may not be next year. Don't be discouraged. We all desire relationships with others rather it's friends or lovers. Your day will come.

2. Don't be surprised- This obviously isn't the only time you realize that you are a single individual. So don't be surprised when you wake up tomorrow and there aren't any roses or love letters waiting on your porch on windshield. 

3. Capitalize- Relationships require time, duh! Since you have more free time now, capitalize on the friendships you have currently. Get to know people a little bit better than just surface level. Friends are important!

4. Be content-Live your life today. It's easy to not fantasize about the future and our future love lives. However, there are things that are going on around us now. Take care of those things and don't miss out on the opportunities in front of you. Be content with yourself and try not to live far ahead of today.

5. Who's your source?- God made us to be in relationship with Him. So we will forever have a spot in our hearts that we will try to fill with all sorts of things. No matter how great and loving your future significant other will be, they still won't fill that space that God specifically put there. It's for Him. So start there first!

6. To find the One, be the One- Get yourself together and figure out the things you need to work on before being inside of a relationship. Learn what you like about yourself and what may need to change for the better. 

7. Practice Commitment- This is really important in a relationship. Be a man/woman of your word. Practice being committed to the things you say you are going to do. The big reason for divorce these days is because we practice it in our dating relationships! We date, figure out something we don't like about someone, then breakup. Practice commitment with the little things. Keep your word!

8. Group Fun- Go hang out with some friends on this day and don't be bitter. Simply enjoy yourself and be glad! Your time will come. 

I hope these tips help! Feel free to share any that may have helped you in the past! Happy Single Awareness Day!

The Pressures of Valentine's Day

February. The month of love. Filled with tons of chocolate, roses, candy hearts, and every possible shade of pink and red splattered on on a Valentine's Day card.  If you have a significant other, this is the tests of all tests. This is how you prove that you can be creative and thoughtful.  The course of your relationship for the next year depends on this one day. Pressure? Oh yea. What if you were thoughtful and creative all the other days of the year? Doesn't that count for something? Not during February. Don't get me wrong, it's not that everything you've done wasn't appreciated, but this is the day that makes everything else worth something. At least, that's what I've gathered from the movies...

I decided to give a few tips of how to successfully survive Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I'm no Guru, but I've had some experiences and I've learned some stuff. So I'll share!

1. Ask- You can't have a Valentine until you ask someone. Even if you already have a girlfriend or boyfriend, it still is important to ask!

2. Know all the favorites- this shows that you have been paying attention the whole time you've been knowing each other. Include some of his/her favorites with your gift. Hearts candy are classic!

3. Do not procrastinate shopping- The worst thing is to get to Wal-Mart and only come out with one box of Hearts candy because everything was sold out. Also, things can get really weird when you just so happen to run into your Valentine at the store. There's no way of looking innocent when this happens.

4. Be creative-if your significant other is crafty, go the home-made card route. It shows thoughtfulness, creativity, and that you put your effort and time into it.

5. Save- This day is special. Save up and take them out to somewhere a little nicer than usual. Skip the McDonald's for this week. Or even have a home cooked meal!

6. Do small things throughout the month leading up to the big day-Little notes and candy bars every now and then won't hurt.

7. Stay away from Cheesy- Get advice before doing something really risky. Don't do everything you see in the movies! Be original!

With good planning and a little bit of creativity, you can make a really good impression for Valentine's Day. Make it your own and go out and "whoo" that special someone. Keep it Holy though!

Until next time...

-Christian

What are some of your favorite Valentine's Day tips?