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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsValentines Day for Singles?
So...I've single for...well lets not mention the length of time I have been single. But I'm low on money, a dollar to my name actually until tomorrow. May I ask what to do on this day alone? Normally I'd drink myself to death a local bar, but no money. Can anyone suggest something for me? I would highly appreciate it.
I know it's very early morning to write this. But insomnia is getting to me.
Much love to everyone on this V day.
brucefan
(1,549 posts)A Valentines e-mail,its free!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)But...hmm I do send messages.
brucefan
(1,549 posts)A heart
Thank you dear...I'll remember that when I get paid. I plan on buying hearts. So you've earned one for your kindness.
pnwmom
(108,978 posts)If you don't have a family member or friend to hang out with, you could see if your humane society needs a dog walker. Mine uses volunteers, but I don't know what the rules are.
That's just me, though -- I love dogs.
Or see if the local food bank needs some help. Any activity to get your mind off your troubles.
Hang in there -- it's just one day. I hope things start looking up for you soon.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)While I do have friends, most of them are taken and going out, some that are single are working late. I've asked trust me. This is the first I'll spend alone. My parents and all my relatives are going out.
I love dogs too. I'll probably just spend time with my old pupper and watch some shows that I need to catch up on.
Though hopefully I'll spend next year with a lovely person.
Much love
Dorian Gray
(13,496 posts)half the non single people WISH they were single so they could do what they want and not be tied to someone that they don't like today.
Grass is always greener.
If I could do anything that I wanted today, I'd curl up, read a good book with a cup of tea. Take a hot bath. And watch a movie.
But I've got a sick kid and have to work from home instead!
Happy Valentines Day!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I don't like being alone. I use to love it, but once I started hanging around someone all the time, everyday almost for 2 years. I wanted to always be with someone.
Now it's just painful to be alone, especially nowadays. I think I'll catch up on shows though and spend time with my doggo.
I hope your kid gets to feeling better.
Much love on this V day dear.
Dorian Gray
(13,496 posts)And I'm sorry you don't enjoy being alone and you're finding yourself alone today. Being sad (any day) is no fun, especially one touted for love and romance.
Maybe it'll make you feel better to realize that it's also Ash Wednesday, so I'll be fasting for a lot of this day. (No special meals!)
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Hmm never really took much thought into the day. Besides it being on a calendar you know?
A lot of my loneliness is also related to depression too. Constant battle on a daily basis. Reason I come here and have started posting again. I feel better around caring and loving people.
Much love.
Blue_Adept
(6,399 posts)It's really that simple.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)But...my mind drifts to the date. I'm just odd like that.
Much love dear.
RainCaster
(10,877 posts)It's not about how long you have been single. That is a Hallmark issue- may they pound sand.
Don't drink your self to death- that does no good unless you own stock in Jim Beem. And then, it is your estate that will benefit from such a stupid act.
The real issue is- do you know who you are? Are you comfortable in your own skin? That's what matters.
If:
* You are comfortable with who you are
* That means you have some idea of who you are comfortable with
* So relax and wait- S/he will come along.
In the meantime
* get involved in your community
* Be nice to someone new every day- put a smile on their face
* Focus on others problems and how you can help them
You will find your problems pale in comparison.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Mean I wouldn't drink myself to death literally...just until I passed out.
But the real issue? I don't know...and no I'm not comfortable in my own skin. So no I'm not comfortable who I am.
But for the meantime. I do a lot of that already, while I enjoy helping others and making others happy. I don't do enough for my own.
Much love dear.
Paka
(2,760 posts)...mainly because I can't afford to live in my country. I made heart cookies to give away, but kept enough for a small sweet treat for me. While they were baking I sent off Valentine Wishes to everone I wanted to share my cookies with that were not close enough to physicall do that. Wishing you well!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Can't imagine not being able to live in your own country. I probably couldn't either if I didn't have my parents help.
But it's sweet of you to make cookies for everyone. I wouldn't mind a heart cookie...I'd keep it not eat it though.
Much love.
chillfactor
(7,576 posts)his girl friend to our house....I have no sweetheart either but I will enjoy the company today. We will celebrate the day with pizza and wine and company. Perhaps you could invite some friends over w/o sweethearts and have everyone bring a dish to share, Many good movies on TV as well or maybe play a game of charades. if I was alone, I would read a good mystery.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I'm happy you're spending it with others. Most of my friends are working or are couples that are going out and I'm not going to interfere with their dates.
But like I've decided. I'm going to watch some shows I've fallen behind on and spend it with my puppers.
Much love.
mama
(164 posts)Strike up conversations with people - they usually like to be told how great their dogs are, if you can't think of anything else non-political to say. There are lots of nice people out there, expand your horizon past the bars!
I will spend it with my doggo and watching shows I've fallen behind on. Though I might try to sneak in a park walk too.
Much love!
oberliner
(58,724 posts)It's a BS holiday created by greeting card companies.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)But..still seeing couples hurts you know? I know it's a bogus holiday like most. But still, just don't like the reminder.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Best thing would probably be just to keep busy with other activities.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)It would be for the best. I work most the day anyway. It's night that makes me feel bad.
Rorey
(8,445 posts)I do agree with Oberliner, but I understand your feelings. Thankfully all of those ads promoting Valentine gifts will be over after today.
I am a big proponent of meditation. It has helped me greatly with my insomnia, and also with the stress of our political climate these days. Last night I happened across a guided meditation video on You Tube. It was one I hadn't used before. Some of the focus was about loving yourself. Maybe you would find something like that helpful.
Just know that you're not alone when it comes to feeling alone. And also know that a good percentage of those "happy couples" won't be together by this time next year. And they'll be kicking themselves for blowing a fortune on flowers and candy and other gifts on someone they no longer want to be around.
As for my own Valentine's day, I just asked my husband if he'd be my Valentine. He said yes, and asked if I would be his. He came over to me and reached out his arm. I thought he was going to hug me. Nope. He reached around me and turned on the light and went back to making his tea. I said, "I thought you were going to give me a hug." He said, "Before my tea?"
So that was that. Maybe it's sad, but I didn't even care too much. (He voted for 45.)
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Meditation I've tried it but it's so hard to focus on it. I get really paranoid when I'm by myself with my eyes closed in the silence. I know this sounds weird but it's been like a thing since I was a kid.
But yeah I would say a lot of the couples out there won't be together but some might. People are just different like that. Some match and then some don't. But I don't know if I could in good conscience be with somebody that voted for Trump... I think I might vomit at that thought.
Much love
Rorey
(8,445 posts)It's a business thing and an economics thing. We sort of live separate lives now.
I can understand your feelings on meditation. I wish I could help you feel secure enough to use it.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I can't imagine how rough that would be to be married to somebody that had a completely different views and just living a separate life. Mean that can't be healthy...But meditation I can try again just with the door locked.
Much love dear
Rorey
(8,445 posts)And I'm hoping you're able to find something to help you get through the tough times, be it meditation or finding something with which to spoil yourself. Personally, I find meditation to be a luxurious thing to do, but that doesn't mean it's the solution for everyone.
Sometimes it feels like things will never get better. I've "been there". I know the pain and frustration and feeling of futility that we can sometimes feel. I do think things get easier to handle as we get older. I know they have for me (except for the husband thing).
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Right now I'm extremely worried about my friend. She's got the flu and I haven't heard from her in a week. And it's been bad this year, I had the flu and it kicked my ass. I'm young I'm only 27 and it put me down for 2 weeks. But she's 52 and has a weak immune system. So I've been worrying for days now.
Much love
Rorey
(8,445 posts)It's what people who care do. I hope she's ok and is able to respond to you soon.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I went as far as contacting her local friends so see if she is ok. I'm extremely worried right now and crying thinking about the worst.
mythology
(9,527 posts)I was never able to do sitting still with my eyes closed as meditation. But something more active like Qi Gong was much more successful for me.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I'll have to research it some more thank you though
Much love
MBS
(9,688 posts)Not my favorite holiday either (I can relate!!!). But try this (sorry, I can't seem to get the image to show up, but the link should work; it's worth clicking on it). Do something nice for yourself today - and make love echo all around.
https://www.facebook.com/onlythinkingart/photos/a.1381534705232967.1073741828.1381521181900986/1526440824075687/?
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I should scream it out and see how many yell it back.
Much love.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)by signing up as a volunteer for something. Can take a little energy, which may be in short supply now, but your local on-line newspaper and Craigslist might both have calls for help to get started. The City-Data forum for your town/area would be a place to ask for suggestions from the community. The range of possibilities is incredible, you immediately have something in common with everyone there, and of course you're connected and contributing in some meaningful way.
Don't know if you've heard about nextdoor.com, but your neighborhood is signed up with them, you can browse there to learn something about your neighbors who are on it, and sign up yourself. Finding out about this was a fun surprise for us.
Wishing you a cozy, comfy, secure Valentine's Day with your little buddy.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Yeah that was suggested I'll have to see what's available. I would like to help dogs I love dogs.
Much love.
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)nextdoor.com while you were posting. Whenever someone who knows about it sees a stray in our neighborhood, he or she posts it there. Great service.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)But I'll bookmark it though thank you
Much love
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)with a big, affectionate doggie! What kind of dog do you have? Do you have a pic?
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I'm not sure how to paste pictures on here though and he's a mix. He's a pitbull/labrador mix
Much love
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)gotten older I have learned to appreciate my alone time. Holidays are always hard. Many times, I would just have a little dinner party for all my single friends and that helped. Nothing fancy, just some pasta and salad or something like that. But it was usually fun and beat being alone on Valentine's day. Also, this time of year can be kind of depressing too. Hang in there and it will pass!
Hugs sweetie!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I make sure to spend time with him all the time. Just be happy and be kind to everyone. Make your own little family out of friends.
Much love.
hibbing
(10,098 posts)I'm trying to treat it just like any other day. Hang in there and do the best you can.
Peace
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I'm doing the same. I work most the day anyway it's just at night it's hard for me.
Much love
tanyev
(42,559 posts)I can't think of anything less romantic than crowding into a restaurant with most of the rest of the DFW area and getting hurried through a meal because there's a throng of people waiting for a table. It's just another day. Do whatever you want.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I couldn't imagine spending Valentine's Day in a huge metropolitan area. The crowds and all that oh my God. I would just stay in and make dinner.
Much love
Kirk Lover
(3,608 posts)I promise you they'll be no fights and no disappointments. I would also spend my last dollar on the cheapest smallest hooch I could find...but I'm more of a pot person myself.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)But I live in Texas so I would go to jail... but I got my dog though.
Much love
Nay
(12,051 posts)the dog park -- after getting him/her a Valentine's Day dog toy!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)The toy will have to wait I only have a dollar to my name.
Much love
CaptainTruth
(6,592 posts)Even if it's just a park with trees, just getting out in the fresh air makes me feel better. A walk in the woods is great, looking at all the different plants & appreciating the variety of life, & it's peaceful.
Listening to my favorite music too.
Best wishes for a happy day!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)If it's not too chilly I might walk around it a few times. Then I probably will come home and catch a bunch of shows and spend time with my dog.
Much love
Ohiogal
(32,000 posts)No one knows what that feels like until you've experienced it. It's really tough.
You sound like a beautiful, sensitive, caring, person. I know it's easy for someone else to say, but please don't be so hard on yourself.
Being outside in nature is a big upper for my emotions. Staying in the house too much is kinda toxic (even though that's what you feel like doing, mostly, when you're down!) Listening to music I love is another "upper".
If you can .... just soak up the love of your animals, get outside if you can. Remember that you're not alone. Valentines' Day is way overrated, in my estimation. Oh, and make sure you're getting enough Vitamin D! That recommendation was given to me by a doctor, said lack of D will play havoc with your mental health.
Here's a virtual hug, vercetti2121 {{{hUG}}} Sorry I'm not the best at putting things into words, I hope all this makes a bit of sense!
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I've been in a constant battle with depression since I was 17 with one suicide attempt. I'm 27 now but it's still not easy, I mean mentally it's gotten worse but I don't do self-harm like I used to.
I guess you could say a lot of it is mainly because being alone is really painful on my end. Thanks to a friend of mine that really hurt me. We use to be together everyday for two years and then a falling out ended that.
Anyway that's besides the point. I'm never usually cooped up in the house too much just at night and days off. I work during the day which helps it's just having the night time and the early morning is hard for me. I'm caring and nice and sensitive. But it's a weakness.
I wish you the best and many hugs too dear.
Much love
Rorey
(8,445 posts)All of us here care about you.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I'm still trying to make myself more active people get to know me a bit better.
Much love
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)Sorry about the tough times.
Go to a meeting. You will be embraced.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)What kind of meeting?
Happy Valentine's Day and much love dear
NCTraveler
(30,481 posts)I dont know enough to recommend one for you. Check around your area.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)I will see what's available in my area then for I guess anything
Much love
marlakay
(11,468 posts)Not what you dont.
When I was younger I lived in a cabin with no electricity, out house and no hot water for a year. Ever since up to this day 40 plus years later when I take a bath and feel the hot water on my hands I am so grateful.
I have been reading about mindfulness the last few years, it helps to stop the swirling thoughts and focus on simple things, a flower, a tree, a cloud floating by, the sound of a bird, the taste of a crunchy piece of toast and tea.
I hope your day gets better, try to get out and smile at 5 people and say something pleasant. What you get in return will help.
vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)It's like Bob Ross used to say when he used to paint about happy little things. It's good you got out to the cabin and into a nice place. I smile today at lots of people at work.
Much love