Coping with Cupid

At the Christmas dinner table everyone, almost in unison, announced all too regularly that you really have no need to worry as “people get married so much later nowadays” and your dad is starting to show signs of leaning favourably towards the “respected and understandable” tradition of arranged marriages.

As if this wasn’t enough, now it’s February, the month of love. Have you not suffered enough?

Now before you become a danger to yourself and others, consider a few possible options to make this year’s Valentine’s Day at least bearable.

Private pajama pity party

Saint Valentine, that ridiculous little cherub Cupid, desperate family involvement or a very recent break-up has left you absolutely miserable. You are in no mood for company, crowds or chatter and the only way you can possibly stomach February 14 is at home with a bottle of red wine and melodrama on BoxOffice.

Perfectly understandable and possibly even a wise choice. Certainly no judgement here! In fact, a suggestion of what to rent is Behind the Candelabra. I can guarantee you that Liberace’s disaster of a love life can only make you feel better about yours.

Pictures: sxc.hu.

Girls’ night out

This teddy bear and red carnation-fuelled holiday will not break you. You may not be sharing it with your eternal flame, but that doesn’t mean you will be spending it alone. Sure, maybe you’re a little past your prime and throwing back tequilas on the dance floor till 4am isn’t as appealing as it used to be, but a night out with your single ladies is always fabulous.

Splurge on making a group booking at a ritzy fine dining restaurant (you’d better get onto that quickly) and spoil yourselves with champagne, lobster and chocolate fondant. If budget doesn’t permit after chronic overspending during the recession, there’s nothing wrong with sharing box wine at your local pizzeria.

An act of kindness

Maybe you are not receiving on this Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be giving. There may very well be someone for whom this day is even gloomier than it is for you – and how special would it be if you could brighten it up just a little? Invite this someone over for a heart-warming, home-cooked meal or go over to theirs with some comforting fried chicken. Whether it is your grandmother, who has been begging you for a visit, or a colleague that has recently gone through a divorce, commit to making their Valentine’s Day a happy one.

Be ready to mingle

You’ll be delighted to know that you are not the only pup looking for some affection on a day traditionally reserved for annoying couples and sickeningly sweet courters. There is a whole world of potential lovers, suitors and possible rejects using this day purely to meet someone. Parties are hugely popular, well attended and festive, and it’s almost 100% certain that everyone there is at least somewhat single and hopefully willing and able.