Christmas cards languishing “on sale” and already Valentine’s day cards available on the next shelf. Yikes! I’m sad the original opportunity to pen love notes to a sweetheart has disappeared in favour of what even Wikipedia dubs a Hallmark holiday (second only to Christmas in terms of card sales!). Imagine receiving a hand-written note with a declaration of undying love! When was the last time you sent or received a hand-written note? Email and texting is so easy and yet, so, well so impersonal and devoid of character.
Having lived in the US for nearly twenty years I became accustomed to the American notion of giving Valentine cards not just to a sweetheart, but to a best friend or sibling, teacher or boss, or to other significant people in my life. I didn’t ever quite get on board with that though, feeling it was too conveniently commercial and Hallmarkesque. Having said that, the idea of celebrating the variety of people I love and appreciate on February 14th does appeal to me, just not with a card and schmaltzy verse.
Apparently, the alternative Valentine’s Day – Singles Awareness Day recommends just that and goes one step further – suggesting we make someone else’s day special, such as someone we don’t know who’s in hospital or a nursing home. Now, there’s a good idea! And what a great way to step out into unknown territory, meet new people, be of service, feel grateful and good about yourself. In other words, taking a step toward being your best self which is the best way to prepare to partner.
So, how are you going to spend Valentine’s Day? Celebrating being in relationship with someone you love? Celebrating being single and enjoying your freedom and independence? Or single and sad? The acronym for Singles Awareness Day is S.A.D. which I have very mixed feelings about. Being single doesn’t have to mean sad at all. While I’ve spent enough Valentine’s Days alone and maudling to appreciate how it is to be single on February 14th … being in a bad mood about it didn’t get me anywhere, nor will it you. Important to remember that you are defined by who you are not by who you are dating, or not dating! You may be perfectly content as a single person with loads of friends, pleasing yourself and having a fully independent lifestyle. You may prefer to be in relationship and, if so, one of the best ways to get ready is be the best self you can be. Manage your mood, get clear about who you are, what you bring to the table, your strengths and weaknesses.
Prepare2Partner’s programme in London can help you explore who you are and how to get ready – with a range of Evening Seminars and Weekend Workshops to choose from, check out their website or contact Clare directly. They even have a Workshop on Saturday February 13th called Communication Counts – we chat endlessly on mobile phones but are we really communicating?
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