How does Valentine’s Day feel to you? Is it a day you look forward to because you and your partner participate in this day to make it so very special for each other, or is it a day that makes you feel like an outcast because you don’t have a partner? I have been on both sides of the situation and it does feel strange to have a day devoted to relationships when you are not in one.

It is wonderful to be the one giving chocolates, flowers or setting up a special night, and it is as great to be the one receiving these intimate gifts, as well. So why do we have to be in a conventional relationship to feel like we can participate in the fun of Valentine’s? We don’t!

I remember being single and having Valentine’s Day roll around and feeling a bit odd and disconnected until I decided that I was going to give some of my close friends a Valentine’s card, a flower and or have them over for dinner. There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without it looking like the traditional day of boyfriend gets roses for girlfriend, girlfriend makes dinner for boyfriend and girlfriend and boyfriend cuddle next to the fire.

Here are some ideas for you if you are single and want to enjoy the Valentine’s Day celebration. Let’s let our minds go wild- it can be anything we want it to be.

• Drop off a Valentine’s card to friends from an admirer, don’t let them know it was you, make their day
• Send flowers to them, from an admirer
• Host a party for friends you love and want to be your Valentine
• Host a themed party for friends, including couples
• Take flowers to a special friend, telling them you care about them
• Utilize this day to make the people in your life feel loved by you
• Get your friends together and do something fun- dinner and play games?
• Do something special for yourself, buy yourself something you have always wanted, take a wonderful bath or buy yourself flowers

Holidays can be a wonderful opportunity to tell the people in our lives that we love them. Any day is a good day for expressing our love for our loved ones. Have you noticed how wonderful you feel when you do something that makes someone else feel so good? Check out how they act when they receive a card, flowers or anything special on this day. In giving them a gift, seeing how excited they are is really a gift for you.

So use this Valentine’s Day to step out of the box and put yourself out there to the people you love, even if you have a partner.

Debra Beck, Author of My Feet Aren’t Ugly, A girl’s guide to loving herself from the inside out.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most loved and hated holidays. How can you guarantee a great day? Follow these easy tips and you’ll have a great V-Day!

(Photo from sc6.blogspot.com/2008)

 *Don’t have high expectations! I like to give boys the benefit of the doubt. But truthfully, most boys don’t understand the significance of major holidays. “My boyfriend doesn’t get why Valentine’s Day is important to me. I like flowers, chocolate and the whole thing. But boys just don’t understand that,” says Carrie, 22, Raleigh, NC.

*Boys don’t like to plan. Take the reins and you plan the date! Make reservations for a quaint restaurant or if you’re extra ambitious, plan a picnic in a romantic park. If you decide to go out to eat, be sure to do it a few weeks in advance! Restaurants book up fast on Valentine’s Day.

*If you’re picking out gifts, keep it simple. A DVD or a box of chocolate is a perfect present for the one you love. But remember, it’s about the love- not the presents! Show your boy toy that you care about him, and all will be well.

*Do things differently. While Valentine’s Day is a little overrated, it is a special day! Mix it up a little. Go to a different restaurant for dinner. Do something crazy! Surprise your significant other with a romantic evening.

*Mixed CD’s are always a great idea. It is a great gift idea, and it is something you can play in the background during your picnic. Download “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel and “Amazed” by Lonestar.

*Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples! If you don’t have a significant other, plan a girl’s night! Buy lots of chocolate and some Welch’s Sparkling Cider, rent a chick flick starring Rob Pattinson, and enjoy Valentine’s Day.

Keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is only one day of the year. Don’t be let down if your boyfriend doesn’t get into the hype of Valentine’s Day. Enjoy each other’s company and remember that the point of Valentine’s Day is to celebrate the love!

(Photo by http://www.pnpvideo.com)

A lot of people think a good date consists of lavish dinners at fancy restaurants, romantic canoe rides, etc. But sometimes, the best dates are quiet nights in filled with movies, popcorn and an amazing dinner that you cooked. Here are some tips on how to make your evening in just as amazing as an evening out:

• Rent a good movie! Steer clear of chick flicks (although the good ones will let you sneak in a good chick flick every once in a while.) “Say Anything” is a good in-between. John Cusack is adorably affable, and even the manliest man will fall in love with “Say Anything.” Pop in the DVD (or video cassette if you’re old school…) curl up on the couch, and enjoy the movie!
• Bonfire? If your dad is anything like my dad, he can whip up a roaring fire in no time. Or, if your dad isn’t an eagle scout, an electric fire does the trick. Imagine any romantic film montages- the majority of them have at least one clip of a couple cuddling and roasting marshmallows. Just try it- you’ll understand the appeal after spending the night by the fire…kissing if you’re lucky!
• Make a bangin’ dinner. Hawaiian Luau chicken is really easy and delicious. My clueless roommates made it, and it was fantastic- a perfect meal for your stay-at-home date.

Hawaiian Luau Chicken:

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup barbecue sauce

1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish that has been greased or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. In a shallow bowl, stir together barbecue sauce, pineapple, ginger and cornstarch. Pour over chicken. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours.

This serves 4-6 people. Use chicken as your main dish, and rice is an excellent side dish.

• Lock your little sister in her bedroom! One of the biggest distractions during a stay-in date is little siblings. From personal experience, they enjoy candy or cash. Bribe them if you have to! Do whatever you can (obviously to a certain extent…) to get that alone time. Side Note: It’s one thing to be annoyed with younger sibs. But remember that somewhere deep, deep down, you love them. Don’t leave them out of your relationship! Your boyfriend should understand that and want to get to know your family.
• Sporcle.com is one of the best websites around! Switch off taking the quizzes and see who the master of pointless trivia is. Personal Favorites? Countries of the World and Name the Toy.

Next time your boyfriend wants to take you on an extravagant date, suggest staying in. Whip up some dinner and enjoy the night together!