The Single's Guide to Valentine's Day

If you're single, you're probably at your witts end with the "he went to Jared's" commercials and may even get a wave of nausea when you're pummeled with the sight of hearts and little pink cupids at every turn. But fear not, we have compiled some tips to get you through the mushy holiday.

1. Make it About the Kids
   On Facebook, Tracy Gendreau said she made Valentine's Day better by making it about her kids. "The year I got divorced, I started making Valentine's Day about my kids. I took them to a local bakery and let them have sugar cookies for breakfast. That night at supper, we played fancy and "dressed up", lit real candles and I let them have their milk in wine glasses."
2. "Discount Candy Day"
   Amie Aguiar said she doesn't get down on Valentine's Day because she always has the next great holiday to look forward to, and it's just a day away. Aguiar says, "celebrate the day after Valentine's Day instead. It's Discount Candy Day!"
3. Go Out to Dinner, Treat Yourself
   If you don't have someone, make Valentine's Day all about you. Treat yourself throughout the day to whatever you want! Joe Burns says he usually goes to dinner where he knows it will be a slow night at the particular restaurant and he will treat himself to dinner.
4. Make Someone Feel Loved
   Valentine's day doesn't have to be about one person. Connie Ouellette of Magick Mirror Gift Shop in Bristol says that you can celebrate the holiday in your own way by showing your love for humanity! Helping others can really make you feel better on Valentine's Day. Here are some of Ouellette's suggestions:

• Give a single carnation wrapped with a red ribbon to your co-workers, or to your favorite service person.
• Help an elderly person on your street.
• Bring cookies or a homemade meal to a shut-in.
• Put planting seeds (all red flowers) in a little pail and tell a friend you will help them plant a garden in the spring!
• Leave a red carnation wrapped with a note 'Your my Favorite Friend' on a favorite persons windshield.
• Call a widow & take them out for dessert and coffee.
• Bring a great book to anyone who is hurting with a personal message on a red bookmark.