Surviving Valentine's

Many people are so troubled when February comes. Most are pressured when friends ask them who their dates are for Valentine’s Day. What is so troubling with being single? Most people do not realize that Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers.

There are many stories of how Valentine’s Day came about. These stories can be dated back to ancient Rome. According to www.History.com,  Saint Valentine was a priest. He was martyred since he refused to abide by the injustices of matrimonial decrees given by Emperor Claudius II. This then tells us that this act was not really because he gave considerations to young lovers, but because he believed in the sanctity of marriage and its importance to the individual’s spiritual aspect. 

Valentine’s Day is for people who are capable of loving, and showing that love should not just start and end on that day, but it should be endless, bound-less.  It is a time for people to show love, not just to their partners but for their family and friends, as well.

Here are a few things which might help both single men and women not only get through and endure but also enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Spend time with family or with those whom you consider family.

Having an intimate gathering with family at a restaurant will surely be something memorable. What would matter more is not that you spend money on them, but that you spend time with them. Ex-Pinoy Big Brother Housemate Uma Khouny says, “since my family is away, I’ll be spending Valentine’s with Toto and Tamara, my dogs.” Darryl Shaw of the band Pitik, the 2007 Jim Beam Ignition Band Competition Champion, says that “perhaps a solemn Mass in the morning would start the day right, then a nice dinner with the people I love would be great, as well.”

 Gather up other single friends.

There’s nothing more fun than to spend time with people who have the same sentiments as you on this special day. PBB Season 2’s Bodie Cruz asserts, “I will probably catch a cheesy Valentine movie with my other single friends.” This may also be the time to reaffirm your appreciation of the friendships you have built. “I’d be very happy to spend that special day with my friends. After all, it’s a day of love and love comes in different forms,” Miss Press Freedom 2007, Rachelle Marie Dangin, shares.

Sing!   

Singing, is an effective way to communicate a certain feeling. Vocalist of the band Mayonnaise, the 2004 winner of Red Horse MuzikLaban Monty Macalino tells us, “I’ll be spending it with my band mates. We’ll be having a gig by then, and it’s a good way to spend Valentine’s.”

Go to the spa.

Whether you go there to get yourself a body massage, a facial, a foot spa, or just about anything, pampering yourself on this day will really help you feel good and relaxed. “I’ll spend my Valentines just like any other day. I’ll definitely pamper myself with a good meal, a great massage, and cuddle with my adorable cat, Ross,” says game show host Jaymee Joaquin.

Rediscover yourself and do the things you want to do.

PBB Celebrity Edition 2’s Marylaine says, “I’ll spend it working out, then treating myself to a wonderful meal, ‘cause this time, it’s time to pour love on myself.”

Let us be reminded that what is important on this day is that we celebrate the joys of love. It is not necessary that you spend it romantically. It is realizing that you have the ability to love, and celebrate the fact that you can give love sincerely.