Valentine's Day is not usually a day you associate with celebrating on your own, but a day when couples get together to celebrate their love for each other. However, many people are alone on this auspicious day for all sorts of reasons. You may be single, you may have lost your partner, your spouse may be working elsewhere, etc.

Valentine's Day is also a great day to celebrate friendship, especially as the love between friends is one of the strongest bonds between two people. In fact, there are several countries where Valentine's cards and gifts are exchanged, not just between couples, but also between friends.

So whatever your reason is for being alone on Valentine's Day, this self development article gives you some ideas of how to celebrate it on your own:

Valentine's Day - Some ways to celebrate on your own

* Arrange to meet up with people who love you - family, friends, etc.

* Attend a party that has already been organised for people on their own.

* Treat yourself to a day of pampering - have the 'body treatment' or workout you have always wanted.

* Organise a pampering party. This could be at your home or at a 'pamper site' such as a spa.

* Make Valentine's Day the day you start something new such as a different hobby or a new evening class.

* Run a 'Secret Valentine' and swap presents on a night out with friends who are in the same situation.

* Take a trip that day that you have always wanted to try, e.g., a helicopter flight over where you live.

* Buy yourself something you have always wanted like a new garment, a pet, some music, etc.

* Organise a Valentine's Day party for other people on their own. You could all stay in or have a night out dining, bowling, going to the cinema/theatre, etc.

* Do something special for someone you do not know, e.g., visit a hospital or care home. Countless people would love you to spend even a short period with them.

* Volunteer to do something in the community. This could be associated with a senior citizens' organization or pet rescue centre, say. Spending time with less fortunate people makes you realise just how lucky you are to have the love that you do have in your life.

Valentine's Day - Celebrating On Your Own - Self Development Summary

Remember that Valentine's Day is not just for couples. It is a day for celebrating your love for whomever you wish, e.g., relatives (close and extended family), friends, neighbours, colleagues or anyone you feel has impacted your life. As mentioned in this self development article, use this day to show them your love or gratitude for the way they touched your life.

To receive further articles do visit the 'FREE Self Development Newsletter' link below. For my Background, Passions, and why I write articles like these, see: Dr JOY Madden