Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day rolls around every year. When you've been through a divorce, it can suck... especially if you're not officially single yet or just getting started with a separation. But, it can also rock if you let it.
Here, a few ways to turn the annual schmoopfest into something fun:
1. Indulge in your independence. Being a party of one has plenty of little benefits. What better day than February 14 to indulge in every one of them? Do each and every one of the following things without apology: Don't bother shaving. Take the cheesiest junk in your music library, turn it all the way up and sing along. Loudly. Order extra pickles, onions, garlic or whatever else you might typically avoid on a date, and make no apologies about it.
2. Buy yourself the damn flowers. Who says you need a husband to make you feel good on Valentine's Day? At Pink Kisses, we believe in creating your own happiness. So, instead of thinking about how you have no one to send you flowers this year and treat you to an incredible day, we triple-dog dare you to relish every second of the day on YOUR terms. Buy flowers more perfect for you than your ex ever did. Get yourself a delectable piece of chocolate to nibble on that's your absolute favorite flavor, and don't share it. Get a massage or manicure... or both. Bottom line: do what makes you smile.
3. Celebrate your freedom with friends. Chances are, you're not the only one of your friends who has been through a divorce. Valentine's Day is a great time to be a support system for someone else who's having a tough time being unattached, separated, or newly divorced. Get together and create a night to remember that has nothing to do with the hype. Host a wig party, cook dinner together, or dance the night away to 80's music. Take back the night and have a blast doing it.
4. Get real. In the end, February 14th really is just another day. And in some cases, it's not all it's cracked up to be. For some married couples, that oh-so-intimate dinner will end in tears. Perception is everything, and the day is whatever you make of it. You can choose to appreciate not being a part of the ritual, and even make a list of the reasons you're happy to be on your own at the moment. Go fall in love with yourself and your amazing little life, and if it isn't amazing yet, make it so, and start right now with something that makes you infinitely happy. Isn't that romantic?
Even if you choose not to indulge in your independence, celebrate your freedom with girlfriends, or buy yourself the flowers, founder Ellie Scarborough gets real about the things you absolutely can NOT do this Valentine's Day when you're a party of one.