I am never surprised that I usually find myself single around Valentine’s Day. I have either ended a relationship at the start of the year. Or more often than not, started something brand new, but not add the pressure of a “Couples Holiday” early in the dating   process. Either way, I can count on one hand how many times I have spent VDay with someone.

Over the years, rather than treating it as a “Whoa is me!” day or a “Man Hating Party”, I focus on the one vice I love almost as much as booze…horror films. I would host “My Bloody Valentine’s Day” parties, complete with red velvet cupcakes, bloody sangrias and hours of some of my favorite horror movies. I figure, rather than being surrounded by love and all things romance, why not love the beauty and gore that is dumb virgins being killed in the woods!

My horror Valentine’s however was simply a mask for one simple truth…being alone that day really does suck. Over the years, I have grown to love my solitude. I relish that I have a two bedroom, but live alone. I have found joy in trying out new restaurants and having full meals with just myself. But there is something about that one day in the year that makes you feel as if you are not complete unless you’re with someone. Recently, I have tried to make it a point to show more of my love to others on that day.

But why not show some love and appreciation to yourself? What makes Valentine’s Day so special is that a person feels valued and seen. But that is in the eye of someone else. However, what if you don’t have that someone? Or maybe, your someone isn’t a romantic partner. Maybe they are a friend, a coworker, a parent, a sibling, an ex. In any event, it’s just one day. It doesn’t define you and you are not just one day. If your value is in knowing that you’re appreciated and loved, first tell that to the person in the mirror. And then, go out and show that to others. Oh, and pick up a horror film, a good bottle of bourbon and cuddle with the best date ever…YOU!