Single on Valentine's Day? This one is for you.

Well, hello there.
Today is the day before Valentine's Day. For those of us who are happily coupled, its a fun day or at absolute worse, just another day. For folks who might happen to be in a troubled relationship, things can get a little tricky.
However, by and large I think that Valentine's Day is the hardest on folks who are single.

According to 2017 US census data, 34% of adult Americans are unmarried and not in committed relationships That's 1/3 of the adult population. If you are that demographic, this one is for you.

First and foremost, there is NOTHING wrong with you. You are not a "loser".  Even the happiest couples that you know, have also had their share of being a single on Valentine's Day.
I can tell you first hand that I spent plenty holidays as a single lady. I was always of the mind set that I would never settle just to be in a relationship. I had (high, very high) standards, that I was simply unwilling to compromise. This served me very well (Hello, Chad). However, that meant that there were years where I was at home watching TV on Valentine's Day night. If that is you this year, here are a few tips for you.

• Take a 36 hour moratorium on social media. 

 Having to scroll past countless photos of roses delivered to the office and photos of "Date night!"  is not going to do anything but make you feel crummy.

• Don't do the bitter jaded thing.

Even if you really DO believe that this is a "Hallmark Holiday" don't go around saying that or other stuff along those lines. Its not going to make you feel better, its just going to make others pity you or resent you. Mother's Day actually WAS created by Hallmark. We don't go around complaining that there is a day to celebrate all the moms out there. Why complain that there is a day to celebrate love?

• Treat yourself to something you've had your eye on

I just looked it up, the average American will spend $136.57 on Valentine's this year.

If you are single and free this year, that means you are not on the hook to spend anything on anyone else. This is the time to get yourself those shoes, book that massage etc.

• Remember, even though you are single now, you won't always be

Real love is VERY real and its worth waiting for. When it seems like your entire friend circle is full of people who are in love, getting married , etc , Its easy to feel like you'll forever be the single one. That is not true. Speaking from personal experience, I remember being 25 or 26 and feeling like it was ONLY ME who was not in a committed relationship. I knew people who were getting engaged to people who were not what they really wanted. But, because they were at an age they selected in their mind, that "had" to check that box and get engaged. You my beautiful friend, you are worth SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT. You deserve real, true love. You deserve giddy anticipation, you deserve to swoon. I promise, when you do get there, you'll hardly remember the days that you DIDN'T have it.

My heart hurts for those of you who want to be in a committed , loving relationship , but just have not found it yet. I know that its hard to be patient when there is something that you REALLY want. remember though, God, The Universe...they have perfect timing.

If you are finding yourself really feeling down, drop me a line. I'm here for you.

XOXO

Sheila