Updated February 06, 2015.
Are you going to be alone on Valentine's Day? There are many reasons why you may find yourself alone; if you suffer with social anxiety disorder (SAD) it may be due to fear about approaching potential romantic partners. Whatever your reason for being alone, below are some tips to help you cope.
Forego Valentine's Day
There is no reason why you need to acknowledge or celebrate Valentine's Day. Don't let advertising, store displays, or stories of others make you feel bad.
February 14th is just another day of the year, and there is no reason why you can't treat it that way.
Treat Yourself
Instead of ignoring Valentine's Day, decide to make it a day for yourself. Take the day off work, sleep late, eat your favorite foods, and engage in hobbies that you enjoy.
Send Yourself Flowers
If you are feeling really down about being alone on Valentine's Day, why not send yourself flowers or chocolates to your place of work? Your coworkers will wonder about your secret admirer, and you will receive a gift chosen by the person who knows you best.
Avoid Love Triggers
If you are upset about being alone on Valentine's Day, avoid watching romantic movies and listening to love songs. People with SAD are prone to depression, and these types of activities are sure to bring on the love blues.
Make Other Plans
Plan a day revolving around a recreational activity or a theatrical/musical event unrelated to Valentine's Day. Invite a friend or family member. Having plans to do something concrete will help to take your mind off the fact that you are single.
Night Out with Single Friends
If you have single friends, plan a night out as a group. Being in the company of others in the same situation will help to ease your loneliness. Just be sure to keep the night upbeat.
Reach Out to Someone
Take the opportunity to reach out to someone that you haven't spoken to in a while. That person might be a romantic interest, a friend, or a family member. You never know who might also be feeling lonely on Valentine's Day.
Brighten Someone Else's Day
Do you know someone who has recently lost a signficant other? Perhaps your neighbor is recently widowed. A small gift on Valentine's Day would mean a lot to her and would make you feel good as well.
Go About Your Business
One of the best ways to deal with being alone on Valentine's Day is to go about your daily routine. Work, go to the gym, catch up on emails; anything that will make it seem like just another day of the year.
Play Cupid
How would you feel if you received a gift from a secret admirer? Why not anonymously send a gift to someone in the same position as you? This doesn't need to be someone in whom you have romantic interest; simply someone whom you want to see smile.
Valentine's Day can be wonderful if you are in a relationship, but difficult if you find yourself alone. If social anxiety is preventing you from dating or maintaining romantic relationships, and you haven't been diagnosed with SAD, if may be time to talk to your doctor.