Ten Ways to Beat the Valentines Day Blues

By Emily Raush

So, it’s February. This is the month that could be the best month of your life, or the worst. It’s one of those times when you’ve been totally fine without a boyfriend, until now. You just wish that for one Valentine’s Day you could actually get a box of candy hearts from someone other than your six-year-old brother. Since when did Valentine’s Day turn into “flower-giving, chocolate-eating day?” Why don’t we turn away our focus from the latest gossip of Angelina Jolie’s and Brad Pitt’s relationship, or what your best friend’s cousin’s boyfriend bought for her, and instead turn our attention to what Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about: love.

If you’re dating that special someone…

1). Take the time to write him a heartfelt letter about how much he means to you and specifically what you like about him. Maybe it’s the way he makes you feel valued, or how he has the ability to make you laugh so easily. If you can’t think of what to write, take apart 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and focus on how you see each attribute (patience, kindness, etc…) being demonstrated in his life.

2). Here’s a little secret…guys actually like thoughtful gifts every once in awhile! If college has swallowed up all of your money and you’re running low on cash, who says you can’t go back to the good old days of homemade coupon booklets? These coupons could be for many different types of things: from his favorite home-cooked meal prepared by you, to a date night of doing something he would enjoy (see number three).

3). For your next date, give up your weekly trip to the mall. Instead, offer to do something you know your guy will enjoy. If he’s a sports fan, maybe this means cheering for his favorite team together. If he’s into cars, you might want to help fix an engine (good luck if it’s freezing outside!). If he’s a music guy, you could write a song together. Whatever he chooses, try to genuinely enjoy it; this will show that you truly care about your guy and not just what he does for you.

Whether you’ve got a boyfriend or are still waiting for Mr. Right, you can…

4). Host a “single ladies” girls’ night at your house. Watch a marathon of the latest chick flicks after stocking up on the extra-butter popcorn. And the chocolate. Maybe some ice cream, too.

5). Make a list of your dream guy. Is he respectable? Trustworthy? Passionate about his faith? Remind yourself of the qualities you’re looking for, and choose not to settle for anything less.

6). Do something that you enjoy. Paint your toenails a bright color or snuggle under the covers to read a good book. Another great way you can feel good about yourself is to exercise regularly.

7). Pick up a new hobby. Try cooking or photography. Not only could this be a fun activity for you now, it also could help you be a better wife someday if that’s what God has in store for you!

8). Perform a random act of kindness for someone. This could mean paying for the lunch of the person behind you at a fast food restaurant or offering your neighbors a night of free babysitting.

9). Let your family know you appreciate them. Show your parents that you are willing to help them without even being asked, or let your siblings beat you in their favorite board game.

10). Spend some time with your Creator. After all, He is your number one valentine! Thank God for what He has done for you and find ways to glorify Him in every area of your life.

No matter what you do, just don’t let the February blues get to you. Instead of being upset that you don’t have a Valentine or being disappointed by the expectations you had for a better gift, use this month to learn more about what love is truly about. Become the woman that God has created you to be.