Five Ways Singles Can Pamper Them Selves on Valentine's Day

You may have just broken up with your partner for a variety of reasons. You may have been single for a long time.

Either way, sometimes you may feel kind of lonely on this day. If this is the case, there are five ways you can pamper your self on this special day.

The following are five Valentine's Ideas for the single person:

(You decide which ones would be appropriate for your gender.)

1. You can go on a shopping spree. It's not that you want loneliness to be an excuse to push your budget. However, once in awhile it is nice to be able to buy something nice for yourself if you can.

2. Treat your self to a night out. You can either do this by yourself or you can take a friend with you. Hit the clubs dance the night away, and make supposedly  happy couples jealous everywhere.

3. Go to a beauty salon or a spa. You will feel much better about your self after you have had your hair done or your nails manicured. You might even receive a massage from a non-to-bad looking fellow.

4. Get a good work out in at the gym. You would be surprised who you would meet there after all.

5. Go to a neighborhood singles gathering. It is not desperation, just the chance to take part in sensible celebrations, versus perhaps going to the bar if you are not into the club scene.

Other options may include making friends online through dating services, or just sitting home with your favorite movie. You may also just want to revel in all the ways being single is so much better than being with someone (at least for now).

The Greatest Valentine's Gift of All: Give of Yourself

The gift of yourself is something that money cannot buy. It is what extends far beyond those material things that provide a thrill and excitement in the moment. 

It is what is most hard for people who earn quite a bit of money, so be careful and do not take for granted the best gift of all: to give of your time, your services, or of other resources. This could mean more to your partner than any other gift. 

To give of yourself means to do one or more of the following:

Prepare a romantic dinner for your mate. (Don't fret if you can't cook. You can have food catered in.)

Offer to give that person a full-body massage complete with scented massage oils.

Invite that person to take a warm bubble bath.

Offer to let that person rest and tend to that person's household duties such as cooking, cleaning, or taking care of the children. (Make sure of course that the person will not take it personally and that the person will appreciate this type of service before you offer it.)

Surprise your mate with a handmade love letter, or an engraved piece of attractive jewelry that says what you want to say from the heart.

Take the person for a walk.

Spend quality time with that person-more than just a few minutes for gift-giving and your own self-gratification.

If you can draw or paint, try to paint a picture of your feelings of love for that person.

The gift of yourself does not take the place of material gifts necessarily, but it is just as important or even more important than any gift you can buy. Remember that this Valentine's Day.   

For troubled couples: The Somber Side of Valentine's day

"Maybe there is nothing that can be done for this relationship, or maybe there is."

The above is the quote of many troubled couples when it comes to celebrating Valentine's Day. They are just not sure what to do. Should they even celebrate this special occasion? Do they even love each other? 

This is not an article of quick online solutions. Instead, it is one that empathizes with the reality that not all couples are happy. It also offers the hope that some of these unhappy couples can be motivated to make whatever decision is best for them.

This may be a difficult time of the year for trouble couples. They may not even want to spend Valentine's Day with their mate. They may feel as though they have nothing left to give to one another.

Worse yet, one person in the relationship may be abusive, untrustworthy, or otherwise just not the person you want to be with. The toughest part may be deciding whether or not you break up with that person before or after the holidays-before or after that person buys you another costly gift, one that causes you to feel indebted.

It may be a very ambivalent time for the both of you. This type of uncertainty can affect two people no matter how long you have been together. You may seem hopeless, and that there is no way of turning it around at this point.

That reality hits hard for a large number of people. And these people have a similar stream of though such as the following: Maybe there is nothing that can be done for this relationship or maybe there is.

What couples decide to do may vary. Some may see some glimmer of hope to carry on and to make it work. If so, it is usually because they have made it a point to remember what has brought them together in the first place. For instance, could have been a shared activity, a mutual friend, or even a family member could have been you and your mate's common ground.

If that shared activity or mutual friend or family member is still available perhaps you and your significant other need to re-connect with that individual. Otherwise, at the very least perhaps you and your partner can share with one another the fond memories you shared while with the person who is no longer in your life any more.

Many other events and circumstances can affect even the best of relationships, as well as the worst of the worst relationships. One rule of thumb can be used when decided to stay or go: If there is still more good about the relationship than there is bad about it, perhaps there is still hope. Otherwise it may be time to "close down the candy shop" and move on. 

How to Distinguish Between the Good, Bad, and Ugly Valentine's Day Gifts

Let's face it. When it comes to give giving there is the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is true for both men and women. This article is meant to help you sift through all the bad choices to get to the best.

The Good

• "I love you" or "Thinking of You" themed cards
• Flowers and/or potted plant
• Well-made handmade gift (only if it is well-made and not if you never made crafts before in your life)
• Tickets to the theater, sporting event, or favorite movie, depending upon your partner's taste
• Music subscription (if your special someone enjoys listening to music online)
• Special night out to a favorite restaurant or club

The Bad

• A weekend camping trip if you know he/she hates the outdoors
• A home-cooked meal if your special someone politely avoids finishing most of your meals
• Books if your partner hates to read
• A weight loss or self-help book
• Specialized text messages (unless you hadn't even had one day, or its not your only gift)
• Cash-especially if not in a card

The Ugly

• The tie even your dog won't wear
• Used clothing from your grandma, uncle, or other family member
• Gaudy costume jewelry
• Fake flowers in a vase (unless they are the most authentic-looking ones)
• Out-of-style or mismatched furniture
• Badly-put-together framed photos or poorly done crafts

From Women to Men: A Simple Valentine's Gift No-No List:

Women, with few exceptions never buy these for your man:

A tie, pair of socks, new Shirt, or any other clothing-Remember the gift is for him not for you. Let him decide what clothes he would like to wear. He may get the impression you are trying to change him if you get him clothes. Unless he asks for them this is a bad idea. 

A date to a romantic movie-Save that for the girls' night out or let him do that for you. (Unless you are absolutely sure he loves chick flicks and does not just pretend to like them to get you in bed.)

Try to avoid buying him jewelry-The obvious exception is if you see him wearing a gold chain, earrings, or other item and you can find masculine-type jewelry items he would for sure appreciate. As a general rule it is a bad idea, however.

Instead give him the following:

Purchase a piece of lingerie you would wear for him. Try to make sure it accentuates your best physical qualities. You want him to enjoy your body and the best you have to give.

A case of beer or other favorite drink. The exception would be if he has a drinking problem. Don't encourage him in this case.

Tickets to his favorite sport's team or event. If you are not married yet he probably would think about proposing after this. The only time you obviously wouldn't give him a sports' ticket set would be is if he hates sports. 

Technology items. Good examples would be latest cell phone, MP3 player, hand-held computer, or DVD player. 

A CD. However, make sure he doesn't own it and you know his taste in music. The other option is to get him an online music subscription.

An addition to his hobby. Whether he does jigsaw puzzles, builds train sets, takes pictures, or collects stamps he will appreciate more pertaining to his passion. Just make sure you train yourself ahead of time in what he would consider beneficial to advancing his hobby. 

From Men to Women: Cut-and-Dry Valentine's Day Giving no-No's

What men should not give women for Valentine's Day...

Cash. This is just a very lazy gift-giving approach if you have known your woman for a year or longer, especially if you sign the card "From" instead of "Love" in your closing signature.

A Membership to a Workout Club. This is the fastest way to cut your self off from the lovin' you so crave from your woman. She will be wounded probably for a long time emotionally if you give her any type of gift that would suggest any bodily flaw.

Clothing. Just don't do it. The obvious exception is if you have a better fashion sense than your girlfriend or wife has. However, the size of the item is another consideration. She would feel very self-conscious if you purchased something that was too small for her. 

Kitchen Appliances. This is actually a grey area. When in doubt just don't do it.

Instead Try the Following:

The time-tested bouquet of simple wildflowers, cards, chocolates (unless she hates them or is allergic), or dinner at a favorite restaurant always work. These never seem to get old for most women.

However, here are some more unique ideas she will appreciate:

A spa and relaxation appointment. Here she can receive a massage, manicure, and other special treatment. She may also appreciate a trip to the hair salon or a gift certificate to receive a makeover. However, be careful to still make her feel attractive, that this is a treat. 

Engraved Jewelry. She will appreciate the thought you put into this type of gift. It says a lot about how you feel about her-that you love her.

Decorative vase, with a rose. If you have an eye for interior decor these may be a unique alternative. Try a clear class or crystal vase with a simple bouquet of assorted wildflowers and/or roses. (It is not always necessary to give a dozen roses, in case you just met her.)

Six Practical Alternatives to the Top Six Absolute Worst valentine's Gifts

Just because you think it is a clever idea does not mean that it actually will be. In order to avoid Valentine’s Day discomfort and disappointment avoid giving gifts most people will not like and then choose an alternative.

The following is a list of six examples of the worse gifts you can give as well as an alternative gift-giving choice for each:

1. If you Plan to Give…

A Pet Rock: It may have been cute when you were in fifth grade, but you are now an adult. This is especially a faux-pas if you are 30+ years old. The exception is if you know your mate is a crude rock collector.

Instead Do the Following…

If your mate is a collector, you can buy crude rocks and a rock polishing kit. You could also buy a collection of already-polished rocks to add to that person's collection.

2. If you Want to Give…

A fake diamond: Whether you are proposing or not a fake diamond ring is usually a bad idea for two reasons: The Recipient may be deceived into thinking it is real or thinking you are ready for marriage if you are not.

Instead Give the Following…

It would be better to find an inexpensive gold chain or an attractively-set sterling silver ring for your partner than to give a false diamond.

Additional Tip: Semi-precious gems such as emerald, ruby, jade, or sapphire are often a very romantic alternative to purchasing a diamond.

3. If you Think Your Mate Will Like…

A Poorly-Made Handmade Gift: Although it may seem like it is the though that counts a poorly-made handmade gift is generally a bad idea. A person usually ends up pretending to like it if it is not very well made-unless it is a gift made by a child. 

Do this instead....

If you are low on money go to a dollar store or thrift store. You would be surprised what you can find there. They have great high-quality gifts for people going through hard financial times to choose from. You can ask store clerk who is the same gender as your mate for ideas.

4. If You Are Contemplating The Following…

A Pet as a Gift: Generally speaking it is a bad idea to get your significant other something that could become an obligation instead of a joy.

Besides, if you don't even live together yet or you just met you may not even know what the rules are regarding pets at your mate's living quarters.


The Only Exception Would Be…

You have known the person you are in a relationship for several years. The other obvious exception is if he or constantly talks about wanting a bird, tarantula, dog etc.

4. If you so Foolishly Think of This…

A Counseling Appointment Gift Certificate: This is an absolute no-no. Your date may get several messages, including that you have doubts about him or her. There are plenty of other times to confront your mate if that person has issues. Valentine's Day is not the day to do it, unless you want to break up!

Safer Ideas Would Be…

Purchase a book of inspiring poems. It could possibly be love poems. A nice thoughtful "thinking of you" card would be nice (especially if it says I love you). Better yet, if you think a person wants to receive mental health help on a romantic holiday then you need help yourself.

4. If you Ignorantly Decide on…

A Weight Loss Book: This is the ultimate romantic mood-killer and a major blow to a person's self-esteem. Let the person deal with weight problem in the way that person seems fit.

Before it’s Too Late Read This…

Avoid giving the person anything that has to do with health food, dieting or any other sensitive area in that person's life. When in doubt, just give a flower, chocolate, or thoughtful card.

Other great gift giving ideas you may consider include treating your mate to a movie, taking the person out to his or her favorite restaurant. You might also want to plan a day trip if you know your mate loves the outdoors.