Put yourself FIRST for Valentine's Day this year.

Valentine's Day is no fun for us single people.  In fact, I hear it lovingly (or not so lovingly) referred to Single's Awareness Day all the time.  But Valentine's Day is not all about just romantic love, but the other kinds of love as well - you know, C.S. Lewis' book called the Four Loves says that there are (obviously) four different kinds of love that humans can share:

1. Storge - affection (familiar love)
2. Philia - friendship (love between friends)
3. Eros - romance (kissy-kissy face love)
4. Agape - unconditional love (love that brings forth caring regardless of the circumstance - his words not mine.  And it's a Christian based book - that I read in a lovely class called Christian Love at a very Christian college - so obviously the agape love is the love God has for all of us... blah, blah)


Anyway, this Valentine's Day, lets celebrate the love we have for ourselves.  Singles, stop all the negative thinking and do something for ourselves.  Here are some ideas....

1.  Give yourself a relaxing night.  Go out and buy those expensive bath products you can't justify on an every day basis.  Pick out a great smelling candle and bubble bath and soak your worries away.  And it's ok to cry it out, but make sure you take time to relax.  Try to coordinate smells with your candle, bath salts, bubble bath and lotion so all the competing senses don't give you a headache (or maybe that's just me)

2.  Buy jewelry ... for yourself!  Who says you need a man to buy jewelry for you?  Not me!  Go out and buy yourself something nice (just use the money you would have spent on some silly guy - see your net spending didn't change at all, AND you got something you'll like, not some silly flowers).  Bonus if you get this bracelet which doubles as a flask, yes you read that right - a bangle that hides your alcoholic stash - just try not to imbibe at work please.  It's not cheap ($225) but just think of all the money you could save at the bars!

3.  Pamper yourself at the Spa  You know that special treatment you've always been wanting (I've been very curious about the fish pedicure - but not sure I'd do it!) - well this is the best time to stop and smell your own roses!  Take a day, half day or even an hour and just splurge with a trip to the spa.  And it's not as expensive these days if you find a groupon, livingsocial or similar deal. 

4.  Get some lingerie for yourself!  And guess what... they don't have to be the naughty nurse or the naughty cheerleader or naughty anything.  You can splurge on cashmere sweats or a great silk robe.  Something that makes you feel pampered and comfortable!

5.  Wine it up.  Get your favorite wine and drink it all yourself.  Don't wallow in self pity of being single - instead celebrate your awesomeness.  And celebrate that you don't have to share the bottle with anyone else!

Above all else, just take care of yourself.