Alone on Valentine’s Day? Indulge Your Romantic Spirit

 

 

According to  The Brookings Institution , singles now make up a larger share of suburban households than married couples with children. Although experts agree being single in and of itself may not be a problem, there are certain events that can cause stress, and frustration. One such problem appears to be powerful feelings associated with loneliness. For some single people the intense emotions related to not being able to cultivate an intimate relationship, seem overwhelming.

 

Single persons may also experience a sense of emptiness during particular seasons and events. Although singleness is not a blight among many single persons who lead productive lives, events such as Valentine’s Day may be somewhat difficult to handle.

 

Dr. Beth Erickson, a psychotherapist with four decades of clinical experience based in Edina, Minnesota affirms single people can still enjoy Valentine’s Day despite being alone. "Since Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, feel and express your gratitude for all the love in your life, even if only from your pets.  Don’t focus on what you lack in your life; rather, focus on the abundance you have, " she said.

 

Dr. Gary R. Collins notes some past studies suggest that singles, especially men , may be more unhappy, less satisfied with their lives, and less well-adjusted than their married counterparts. Collins wrote: "Sometimes singleness is seen as a no-strings- attached, carefree lifestyle. For many singles, nothing could be further from the truth. In our society people walk in pairs."

 

Erickson asserts that even if a person is alone on a special day like Valentine’s Day, they can still find creative ways to indulge their romantic spirit. "Do something that you find uplifting, such as surrounding yourself with beautiful flowers, art or music. Read yourself some love poems as a way to open yourself to the possibility of finding love," she said.

 

The key is to find ways to practice self-pampering which is always a boost to one’s self-esteem. Staying active and engaged in life can also be beneficial. The worst course of action is to isolate oneself from the rest of the world. "Don’t sit around alone and mope. Do something nice for yourself, even if it is only buying yourself some chocolate," Erickson went on to say. 

 

Scores of people in the world are single, never married, or formerly married, and their status may not change. They struggle with a unique set of emotional problems, and some have the courage to confront their limitations with a trained therapist, thereby gaining a better perspective.

 

To learn more, visit Dr. Beth Erickson online: http://www.drbetherickson.com