As much as I hate to admit it, next week at this time (on Saturday, February 15), there will be a collective sigh from nearly all of those without a spouse or a serious relationship. Why? Because they survived another Valentine’s Day. Oh, don’t get me wrong, this is not a whiny post about the woes of being “pair-less” on the monumental day. Nor is it a post bashing those with cause to celebrate. Yes, it’s an industry-driven, commercialized holiday, but so what—it’s a nice reminder to stop and express to those you care about that you care about them and to do so in an out-of-the-ordinary kind of way.
So much of what we do—if not nearly all of it—is based on our choices and one of the most important choices we can make is to decide where we are going to put our focus. As a woman without a spouse in my home, I choose to enjoy watching my friends who are in relationships enjoy and celebrate Valentine’s Day. But I choose to celebrate it too, by celebrating “love” in general. Here are six ideas for ways that singles* can honor the gift of love from now until Valentine’s Day.
Sunday: Take two mugs, two packs of hot chocolate/tea/coffee/beverage of choice, and one candle and place them in a simple gift bag. Think of an elderly couple from your church or house of worship to present this “love gift” to. Write a note, telling them to share some memories of their love story as they enjoy some hot chocolate together this Friday!
Monday: Choose a friend from church, work, or your neighborhood who has small children. Call this friend and offer to babysit—for free—on Friday night so that your friend and his or her spouse can enjoy an evening out! If you are able to do so—though this is not necessary—provide a gift card to a nice restaurant or a coffee house as a “bonus” gift!
Tuesday: Mail a card—yes, the kind where you put a stamp on it and it goes through the postal service!—to a single* friend, acquaintance, or family member, sharing a favorite verse about God’s unfailing love. Don’t add commentary. God’s words are enough! Thank them for being a great example of His love.
Wednesday: If you are able to do so, purchase some new, unused clothing, shoes, or accessories/jewelry and take it to a women’s shelter today. The unloving acts that many of these women have endured need every possible replacement act we can offer them. It’s a great way to demonstrate love for others and turn your focus outward in a week when it’s all too easy to be far too introspective.
Thursday: Give the gift of a manicure and/or pedicure to a friend who has celebratory plans for Friday. It won’t take you long to drop by her house after work/school/lunch/whenever and paint her nails, and she’ll feel extra special for her night out, sharing that joy with you as you give the gift of thoughtfulness! (The option, of course, is to provide a gift card for a professional manicure—most are less expensive than you might think for a very basic manicure!)
Friday: Wear red or pink and celebrate the love that others share! Make every effort today not to use the word “I” or “me” today!
The bottom line is this: it’s a week to celebrate others and the love that they have in their lives. You are loved, totally and unconditionally, by God. That’s enough. No…that’s MORE than enough!
*Single: for the sake of generalities, this term is used in this post to signify anyone without a spouse or serious relationship at the present time
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Love the ideas. I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day because it’s an opportunity to celebrate any kind of relationship–family, friends, special someones. Definitely a great reminder and challenge to show selfless love! I need look for those opportunities more often.
Awesome article and a much needed reminder for me!