No Valentine? No Problem

[ladylove]

No Valentine? No Problem!

It's here this weekend, ladies. Valentine's Day. Two words that can strike fear into the heart of any single woman. Well, pink and red hearts might be dressing every store window at the moment, but that's no reason to hide your head under the covers and screen your mother's phone calls! In honor of all you single women, I'm offering up my top ten tips for making the best of it — valentine or no valentine!

1. Celebrate your independence. I know it's hard to imagine, but someday you will look back with fondness on the days when you were accountable to no one but yourself. Enjoy this time — that you can sleep until whenever you want, with whom you want (well, pretty much), and eat breakfast at 2 p.m. on the couch in your pajamas!

2. Pamper yourself. Give a little loving attention to your body and mind, instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Take a sensual bath with lavender oil, lots of candles, and your favorite music in the background. Order your favorite take-out, get a great movie and treat yourself luxuriously.

3. Take charge. If you've had your eye on someone, or you've been engaging in some heavy yet indirect flirtation, make the move. Think about when you are old and gray one day, regretting all the things you didn't do when you were young and attractive! If you are too scared to do it in person, send an email or a text message. That way the ball is in his court if he wants to respond.

4. Send flowers to yourself. I'm telling you, it works! Flowers are beautiful and can make you feel happy every time you look at them. Spend the money you would spend on a valentine on a beautiful arrangement for yourself.

5. Go to the bookstore. Yes, the bookstore is the new singles bar. With all that great literature, you have endless subject for conversation. Or, hit the magazine section if that's more your style.

6. Get fluent in body language. Learning how to use your eyes, body and posture helps you with that all-important nonverbal communication with lovelies who catch your eye. Be a master at flirting without saying a word.

7. Babysit a friend's kids. It's good karma to allow two others a shot at Valentine's Day bliss. Plus, a night with the kids just might restore a sense of appreciation for the single life!

8. Make a cake from scratch — frosting and all. It's fun to create something from start to finish and then you get to eat it. If you choose chocolate, you just may feel the same endorphins that those in love do.

9. Broaden your sense of love. From your family to your friends to your lovers of times past, focus on how lucky you are for all of the love in your life.

10. And if all else fails, go out! Brave the couples walking arm-in-arm down the street and the guys peddling roses. Tomorrow will be just another day in that couple's relationship and the roses will be half-off. Find a bar or restaurant to enjoy yourself at with the girls, or just by yourself. You never know who might have the same idea up his sleeve.

Happy Valentine's Day!