All The Single Ladies! Valentine's Doesn't Have to Suck

In exactly a week most of us single girls will probably be doing whatever it takes to get our minds off the fact that we're single. Hey, I'm not gonna lie--having never had a Valentine I secretly wish that I had someone to go out and spend a romantical day with and to be pampered by a sexy man EVERY year that this cursed day rolls around. But as fate has made me perpetually single I have decided to celebrate Valentine's Day as it best fits where I am now. Here are 10 things you can do to make sure Singles Awareness Day doesn't suck.

Treat Yourself: That should be a no brainer. We are single independent women and used to taking care of ourselves so for Valentines Day go the extra mile. Get a massage, a mani/pedi with a daring red or pink nail color, a facial, or buy yourself something sexy and do a photoshoot if you wanna make these guys wish they had you on Valentine's Day. Make yourself feel good to be yourself. Being happy with yourself is the best way to avoid the blues on Valentines Day.

Girl's Night Out: I'm sure if you're single you can find a single girlfriend (or four) for some serious girl time. Go see a movie downtown at The Plaza like"Valentine's Day" dressed to impress. Dinner must include some wine or martini's for some sophisticated single lady fun. I suggest hitting the Monkey Bar on Wall Street for a desert martini or (my favorite) an extra dirty martini with some great food. Urban Flats is perfect for a "wine down" after a movie as well.  

Meet a New Guy: Why not? You know you would rather be with a guy anyway. Gather the girls and go out to a ladies night for singles. Pick five traits for five diffferent guys. Have a goal of approaching guys. Make the list simple but the list should be fun. For example, the first guy you see wearing red you have to approach. Or a guy drinking a certain brand of beer. Anything will work. You're single now so meeting new people should be something you enjoy. And you never know--if he's out single on Valentine's Day he just might end up being your Valentine next year.

Throw a Party: If going out and seeing all the happy couples is not something you think you can handle--throw a party of your own. Pick a theme like "Love Bites" and have an all out war against relationships. Invite some of your closest and hottest girlfriends, add a Brown Bag party that features the best self pleasing options for Valentine's Day, attire is nothing but LBDs and share your relationship woes with a glass of wine and hor dovures. No flowers, no candy, no red--just sexy black dresses and sex toys ;)

Send Yourself Gifts: It's not as desperate as it sounds. Send yourself flowers or an Edible Arrangement with a self affirmation card for the note. Tell yourself how beautiful you are. Tell yourself how special you are. Tell yourself that you are one of the most important women you know. And when people ask you who it's from say its from someone who loves you just the way you are. Buy yourself a right hand ring--the ring that symbolizes that you're single and happy with that--and able to splurge on yourself. And what is Valentine's Day without chocolate? Indulge in all the goodies and candles and sexy lingerie. Make this day about loving yourself.

Love Your Loved Ones: Valentine's Day is about love. There is no reason to forget the special people in your life that love you every day no matter what. Your family and friends should hear just how much they mean to you on Valentine's Day. Buy cards and candies and treat them to the pampering you are so used to giving to yourself. If you have children take the time to enjoy making their Valentine's Day cards for school, take them Michaels and let them go crazy with the Valentine's Day crafts and glitter and heart shapes. Spend time with your siblings and your parents. Make Valentine's Day treats for your loved ones as well. Nothing is more fun than working from your creative side.

Donate Your Time: There are so may people that don't get love on a regular basis that would appreciate yours. And not only people--animals as well. You can volunteer downtown at the homeless shelter, pick a senior citizens home to spend a day passing out Valentine's Day cards and making new friends. The Humane Society in Sanford always needs volunteers. Spend the day caring for abandoned animals that need a little tlc. Karma is so important when it comes to sharing love. You have to give love to get it. Remain positive and don't wallow in the fact that you're single. Give your time to those that truly don't have anyone who cares. Do a favor for a friend in need or take out someone you know who recently had a rough time in love or maybe even health wise. The bottom line is show strangers a little love and feel better about your situation.

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Date Yourself: This will probably be what I'm doing for Valentine's Day. Gather all the chick flicks you love (I recommend Little Black Book starring the late Brittany Murphy) and a bottle of wine. If you can't be love drunk get a little tipsy and have a laugh. Spend time with yourself. Combine the "Treat Yourself" and "Gift Yourself" and then spend time alone at home. Write a poem, create a relationship plan, make a list of things about yourself that you love. The relationship plan sounds a little cheezy but it's not. Don't be afraid to know what you want in a relationship. Don't make the mistake of letting lonliness cause you to settle. Take the time to love yourself and then have the will power to give yourself what you really want.

Take a Trip: Maybe you need to get away from what you're used to. Especially if you went through a recent breakup. Getting out of the city and taking a quick trip to Daytona or Tampa might be what you need. Going out in a different city is a way to avoid reliving memories of past Valentine's Days with the ex. Bring a girlfriend along or go solo--either way the change of scenery should allow you to take a break from all the emotions that are bound to come pouring out. Maybe you want to spend the day missing him? Maybe you want to spend the day forgetting him? Only you know where your heart is at. As long as you focus on what's best for you.

Phone A Friend: All men aren't bad. If you have a male friend or someone you used to date and you are in the mood for romance--give him a call. Setting clear guidelines always helps if he is more into you than you are into him and vice versa. Sometimes still being able to flirt and enjoy the company of someone you care about is enough to make for a fun Valentine's Day--especially if it's a casual situation. The only thing is make sure you aren't setting yourself up for heartbreak. If this casual date with a guy you want more from don't get it twisted. And don't fool yourself into thinking he might feel the need to make you his girlfriend after that. Remember what I say--give him the green light but let him press the gas pedal.

In conclusion--just between us girls--the key is to make time for yourself. Love yourself. Celebrate all the non romantic love you may have in your life. And don't be afraid to pamper yourself. It's Valentine's Day! Much love ladies.