It sneaks up on you like an obnoxious weed, which suddenly appears one day and then the next, until it has completely taken over the whole garden.
One day you are going about your own business, doing your weekly grocery shopping and there it is, staring at you in the middle of the aisle, the Valentines' Day card stand.
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You feel a knot form in your stomach and maneuver your trolley around the stand as fast as you can. The next day you can't escape. There are large cardboard love hearts in shop windows everywhere. February 14th is approaching fast and there is nothing you can do about it.
But for the single girl, there are ways to survive it. Here are 10 rules that will have you not only feeling great but being the envy of all your girlfriends with their Valentine sweethearts.
Rule No: 1
Surviving the Commercialism!
If Valentines' Day makes you feel left out or lonely then I urge you to check out the real meaning of the day and how it came into being, apparently it's shrouded in mystery. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men - his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Tragically romantic maybe but not the sort of thing you would like to see continued in today's day and age. So if that is not enough to help you through the day and you succumb to the marketing of giant corporations then here are nine more rules to get you through!
Rule No: 2
Surviving the Flower Deliveries!
To avoid having the only flowerless desk in your office, consider this little tip. A few weeks before the big day start buying yourself a bunch of fresh-cut flowers for the home. Let people know that you have decided to treat yourself this year for no other reason other than you're worth it. Then when friends and family comment about how they received a lovely bunch of roses, you will be able to congratulate them and then let them know that you get flowers every week.
You will need to keep this up for a couple of weeks after Valentines' Day so that no-one suspects anything suspicious. Or how about keeping it up all year? Flowers are great to have in the home and you do deserve it.
Rule No: 3
Surviving the Gift Giving!
Apparently the average amount spent on a gift for Valentines' Day is around 0 so it is only fitting that we multiply this figure by the number of years you have been single. So if the number is three years then you have a justifiable 0 to spend on the perfect gift for yourself.
Forget lingerie that is the wrong size, stuffed bears or even jewelry that you will never wear. This is the chance to buy those shoes you have eyed for months or the latest designer handbag. Then on Monday when everyone in the office is showing off their sweetheart's purchases, grab that bag, swing it over your shoulder and announce proudly, 'three years baby', and walk on by.
Rule No: 4
Surviving the Card Sending!
Make a list of all the women you know who will not be receiving anything from their significant others. You may be surprised by the number that you come up with. Think of your mother, those married for over 10 years, or maybe even five. Then send them all a Valentines Card telling them all how much they rock. The fact that you won't be receiving a card won't even matter to you because the joy of giving to your sisterhood will far outweigh any sadness.
Rule No: 5
Surviving the Romantic Night Out!
Now this is where you have to go all out and really treat yourself. A pampered night in with your favorite take away and a bottle of red is in order here. Total control of the remote and DVD choice is a luxury that ends when one becomes two so you will be the envy of all your girlfriends.
A bubble bath with candles and aromatherapy oils and some relaxing background music is a must. Accompany this with an attitude that you are the luckiest girl in the world and dismiss all thoughts of being a lonely loser who can't get a date and this night in will be a hit.
Remember most girls would die for a night like this so enjoy!
Rule No: 6
Surviving the Movie Choice!
When the big day arrives and you start to feel a little low and decide to reach for a DVD to take your mind off things, for goodness sake do not get anything remotely associated with love and romance. Definitely avoid 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'The Notebook'. Do not go near these titles with a 10 foot pole. Instead reach for anything that resembles girl power like 'Charlie's Angels'. If you need a reality check then head for 'He's Just Not That into You'.
Be kind to yourself girlfriend. It's the least you can do.
Rule No: 7
Surviving the Music Choice!
The same rules apply here as in Rule 5. When selecting your music for the day, avoid Celine Dion like the plague. Love ballads are not appropriate in this situation. The best thing to do is put on your favorite lycra body suit and crank up Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' and dance your little toochie off.
This is sure to increase any pheromones and induce a state of pure happiness.
Rule No: 8
Surviving the Low Self-Esteem!
Wear something that makes you feel pretty, even if you're not going anywhere. Do your hair like you would if you were going out and put on some makeup. Nothing boosts your self-esteem than feeling and looking great.
Then if you feel like it, hit the shops or go catch a movie. If by chance you run into an ex who's jaw drops when he sees you, well that's life isn't it!
Rule No: 9
Surviving the "Poor Me's"!
Valentines' Day seems to hit home for a lot of single people even more so than any other day of the year. It's a big reminder that you don't have that certain someone in your life. So let's turn that around, on this day let's change the rules and make Valentines' Day about ALL the love in your life, not just THE love in your life.
Just that simple shift can result in a quantum leap and give all the contentment in your situation you need to get you through the day. Why not have that attitude every day. It sure can't hurt and it might even change your life, you never know till you give it a try!
Rule No: 10
Surviving the Day!
Once you have made it through the day, pour yourself a drink, sit back and exhale. Then congratulate yourself for making it through another bloody Valentines' Day!!!!
The Single Girls Guide to Surviving Valentines' Day