Twas Seven Days Before Valentine's Day

So what will it be this year? A mad scramble to find a sweetie just in time for Valentine’s day or a slow death march to the day that all lonely singles dread? A box of chocolates or a heavy heart full of melted romantic dreams?

Seven days and counting. Go ahead; try to convince yourself that it is just another day. Don’t look around and see the flowers on the desk next to yours or the oversized cards expressing undying love blocking your view of the sun. “Really, it is just another day”, you insist even as you cannot help but hear the exclamations of delight of someone who has just been pleasantly surprised by their romantic partner.

I offer no empty clichés on this possible solemn occasion. If you want a lover and cannot find one, then Valentine’s Day is like a rude slap to the face. On the other hand, if you are at peace with your solitude, then the pangs from a love not yet realized will not have their full effect.

This Valentine’s Day, send a card to a dear platonic friend to let them know how special they are to you. If your mom is still living, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a gesture of affection. Buy some candy for some little children at your church or make a single mother’s day by babysitting her kids for a night.

It’s a week before Valentine’s Day; instead of waiting on a surprise that may never come, go ahead and plan to make it special for those people who mean a lot to you. Show someone you care by doing something out of the ordinary and your Valentine’s Day seven days from now will mean more than you could ever have imagined.