Celebrating Valentine's without a Valentine

“So, are you seeing anyone?”

There it is, the question that is the bane of unmarried people’s existence. In my experience, it’s a favorite question (and sometimes the only question) I receive from relatives and family friends at reunions, weddings, parties, and any other public event. I have three options for how to respond:

1. No, I’m not seeing anyone, but thank you for reminding me that I am alone. :’)
2. Yes, but you haven’t met him because he lives in Canada. No, you can’t see a picture.
3. No, I’m not. (Wait for them to either say “Too bad” or “I have a nephew/friend/cousin…)

All joking aside, I feel your pain, my fellow single friends. No one means any harm when they ask that question, but it does make you wonder if there’s something wrong with you if you don’t have a significant other (or maybe that’s just me). Then comes Singles Awareness Day, also known as Valentine’s Day. Singlehood can be annoying and lonely during this time of year, or any time of year. However, you have to remember that God gives us single people quite a few perks.

No one is going to drag you to see a movie you don’t want to see, you don’t have to blow all your savings on the “perfect date,” and you can eat the last of the chocolate without compunction. (Nobody’s watching to judge you.) Plus, like that single guy Paul the Apostle said in 1 Corinthians 7:28, “Those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.”

You know the saying: Happy wife, happy life. My version is: No wife, no worries. So, as a toast to your freedom, here are four ways for you to celebrate Valentine’s if you’re single.

1. Make a date with God. A former pastor told me she’d often go on walks or sit in a quiet spot, talking to God like she would on a date to recreate that “special occasion” feeling that you usually get from dates. If that sounds a little cheesy, just remember that we’re called the brides of Christ, which includes you, my friend. Can’t get much cheesier than that.
2. Treat yourself. Eat at your favorite restaurant with a good book you’ve put off reading, and order dessert just to mess with them. I recommend the cheesecake.
3. Arrange a group outing with friends. Try mini golfing. Watch that action film you’re dying to see. Go to a concert featuring your favorite band.
4. Show your family you love them, too. Your parents are the reason you’re here, and that deserves appreciation. Treat your family to dinner, buy them a gift, give them a card. No one said Valentine’s cards had to be romantic.

No matter where you are in life, God has surrounded you with many blessings that you can appreciate any day of the year. So celebrate love, in all its beautiful and diverse forms, this Valentine’s Day!