BY: RICHARD HASKELL

Just as Christmas cards seem to appear every year the day after Halloween, doesn’t it seem that we’re barely into January when retailers begin stocking heart-shaped chocolates and miniature teddy bears amidst a sea of red and white? Valentine’s Day!

This ‘celebraion of love’ has become a multi-billion dollar business with consumers spending an estimated $1.6 billion dollars on candy and $1.9 billion on flowers each year.

But what of those who happen to be single? Should they be made to feel less worthy of taking part? In a word, NO! Many people are single either by choice or by circumstance and there is most definitely nothing wrong with that. And for those who genuinely dislike the day, you can take comfort in the following:

  • During the two-week period leading up to Valentine’s Day, American sales of gold jewelry lead to 34 million metric tons of waste.
  • The vast majority of roses sold for Valentine’s Day in the U.S. are imported from South America, wasting fossil fuels.

These facts don’t speak too well for a day especially set aside for love!

But for those who are single and wish to enjoy the day, take heart (No pun intended!) There is nothing to be embarrassed about – indeed, there is much to celebrate. While couples proclaim their love for each other, (and to the world by posting those annoying photos on social media) singles can reflect on the love they have for those in their lives and the love for themselves. After all, there’s no stipulation in Valentine’s Day that people can find enjoyment only if they happen to be committed to a “significant other.” February 14 is simply a day set aside for a celebration of love and who would deny anyone that? So if you are one of those enjoying “the single life,” make it all about YOU!

Use the day to “take stock” and see how far you have come from past challenges. Feel content that you have this opportunity to be alive today and be happy for those you have in your life Make it a day to indulge in things that YOU want to do. Best of all, it’s now mid-February, and we’re a lot closer to spring than we were a month ago.

Finally, here’s a list of songs that celebrate the single life with no apologies needed!

Beyonce, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”

Queen Bey may very well be hanging out with her significant other, Jay-Z on February 14, but this songs extols the virtues of the single life.

Pussycat Dolls, “I Don’t Need a Man”

The title of this song speaks for itself; it reminds us there’s a difference between wanting a partner and needing one!

 Natasha Bedingfield, “Single”

Regardless of how a person may feel about his or her single status, “Single” is a true declaration of independence.

Blaque, “I’m Good”

This song was used in the film Honey and the message is clear: you can be fine whether or not you have someone special in your life.

 Jason Derulo, “Ridin’ Solo’”

The lyrics of this no ‘regrets’ song glamorize the benefits of being single.

And finally, if you REALLY dislike the day, there’s always:

Bekah Barnett, “Saint Valentine”

A humorous song that looks at the day with more than just a hint of sarcasm.

So to all those “singles” out there – ENJOY! Buy yourself a rose or indulge in a piece of chocolate with no guilt feelings. Whether it’s directed at someone else or towards yourself, love remains a powerful force in these challenging times. There is still far too much conflict amongst us, and the need for love is greater than ever. The popular advice columnist Ann Landers once wrote:

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

To this reflection, I say “Amen” – and to every one of you – a happy Valentine’s Day!

 

Filed under: Love and Intimacy, Uncategorized