To many the thought of Valentine’s Day brings images, hearts, candy, flowers, cupid and happy couples. However many divorced women are in the process of mending their broken heart and report that the mere thought of the day brings feelings of loneliness, hopelessness, depression and even jealousy. Some even say that Valentine’s Day is the worst holiday ever.
One of the reasons divorced women think this way is because we were brought up believing in the “happily ever after fairy-tales.” We were led to believe that Valentine’s is a day that we set aside specifically for love and romance.
It is actually your choice on how you decide you want to celebrate the day. There is no one perfect way to celebrate just as there is not one foolproof way to celebrate other holidays. You are not alone, there are many people, young and old that does not have the perfect lover to have a romantic evening with.
Valentine’s Day is about love, feeling good and living in the moment. One way to celebrate the day is to make it all about the people in your life that you love and adore. This can include your children, family and other friends. It could also be a complete stranger that you take compassion on. Let go of expectations and recreate it for who you are today.
7 Ways for the Divorced Women to Celebrate Valentine’s Day:
1) Celebrate your newly single status by throwing a single shindig at your home. Tell your guests to invite a friend of the opposite sex. This is a great way to mingle and meet new friends, both men and women. You could even make it a costume party or tell all the guests to wear red. It is also a good excuse to make all of your favorite heart shaped deserts.
2) Have a girl’s night out. You get to choose how daring you want to be. It may be a good time to check out the male strip club that you have been secretly dying to go to. You may want to try some seductive dancing yourself or go and listen to some live music. You could choose to go to dinner and a movie, miniature golfing, bowling or maybe even on a long car drive. The choice is yours! All you need is a little imagination and a few friends.
3) Have a slumber party with your closest friends. Order pizza, watch scary movies (or romances if your choose.) Play games and thinks of some fun practical jokes to play on one another.
4) Make it all about your children. Spend the entire evening showering them with love. You could send them on little treasure hunts throughout the house to find gifts you have left for them. Cuddle on the couch drinking hot chocolate and watching movies. If they are older, you may even consider taking them on a date.
5) If there is a particular couple that you are very fond of, such as your parents, the neighbors next door or your sister and brother-in-law give them a romantic evening. You could clean their home and make them a special dinner by candlelight.
6) Volunteer at a soup kitchen, food pantry or animal shelter. Volunteering is a great way to get out of your head and into your heart. When you give your time and love to others who are less fortunate it lifts your spirits and makes you feel good.
7) Visit an aging relative, old person’s home or a local children’s hospital to spread good cheer. You can make little heart shaped cards, and bring other goodies. Be sure to contact the agency first before bringing any food items. Other gifts that they may enjoy are a single flower in a small vase, lace hankies or small stuffed animals.
Valentine’s Day is not only for couples that are madly in love. It is for everyone of every age. You are experiencing a transition in your life right now. You will experience both fabulous and challenging days. Choose to make your life happier by enriching the lives of those around you.
