Survive Another Valentine’s Day

A 24-hour plan that works

Okay, before you read on, step out of your home, look up at the sky and scream, "Why God, WHY?"

Now that we have that out of the way, it's time to face the longest 24 hours of the year for the many, many, many single people in the world. I emphasize "many" because it's easy to confuse "single" with "alone." Single means open for new love that is imminently coming toward you. Alone means, well, alone!  Let's break down these 24 hours into a 3-step plan:

First 8 hours
It's best to sleep. Sleep in, sleep it off, just stay asleep. You have permission to call in sick to work. You are sick of the everyday grind and it's time to take a day just for you!

Next 8 hours
Go go go! Manicure, pedicure, new outfit, decadent dessert, movie, hike, museum, bike ride, beach trip, painting, singing, yoga, skipping, dancing. Do something that you like so much it puts you right in the moment, in the right, right now, where you are actually enjoying your own life. Because you have the ability to treat yourself as well (or better!) than any other person on the planet - because you know what you enjoy more than anyone will - ever. Make this a day of intimate love for you and give yourself an awesome few hours.

You can pick a single friend to embark on your eight hours of awesomeness - if they are willing to play by the rules. No tears, no regrets, and absolutely no calling an ex. No matter what! Happy, open single friends are a good idea, actually. Sad faced fellows who want to throw pity parties are forbidden.

Last 8 hours
Fly through the danger zone. You are a beautiful, wonderful, sexy, intelligent, intuitive, sensitive, hilarious, successful person who is loved by many people in your life. Not only that, you are real and human and it's okay if Valentine's Day is just a tad bit painful. Let yourself off the hook in the final stretch. Eat whatever you want. Watch whatever you want on Tivo. Call anyone you like (except exes - definitely no exes) and accept that the desire for romantic love is part of being human. It's just one single day in everyone's life and doesn't even exist in most countries. Neither does clean drinking water, public education, adequate healthcare and a stable currency.

So, in many ways, Valentine's Day has everything in common with all the other days in your life. It's a gift, it's a blessing and no matter how you spend it, it's only 24 hours long. Take it as you take all the days of your life - with love for yourself and others. Take it with gratitude. Take it with joy. Happy Valentine's Day to you!