One is a whole number

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day alone? Is Valentine’s Day really just for couples to celebrate? Can’t singles be happy on that day, too?

We got used to the idea that if you’re single on Valentine’s Day, you’re a loner. And as such, you shouldn’t or you can’t be happy. But that’s purely a lie. You don’t have to feel alone on a day where couples proclaim their love for each other. You don’t have to feel sorry for yourself just because you don’t have someone to celebrate it with.

I’d be lying if I said I’ve never felt the ache of being alone on Valentine’s Day but I always convince myself not to agonize over it. I always choose not to let myself get eaten by the thought that I’m one of the lonely human beings on that said day. Sure, it would be nice if you could go out and spend a day with someone you love but don’t limit that “someone” to just a girlfriend or boyfriend. You could hang out with your friends, treat your family to dinner, or you can just spend the day alone. There are other things to be happy and thankful about on that day so don’t just focus on wallowing in self-pity.

If we come to think of it, Valentine’s Day is just another ordinary day. You don’t have to feel like it’s a grand event that everybody should be participating in. You don’t have to feel sorry for yourself just because you’re single on Valentine’s Day. It shouldn’t make you feel like you’re less than everybody else, because you’re not. Being single is not an excuse to dive in self-belittlement. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

You may ask yourself, “How can I be happy if I’m alone?”

The answer is simple. You won’t feel alone if you won’t let yourself feel alone.

You’re single but it doesn’t mean you’re incomplete. Being in a relationship doesn’t complete you. It doesn’t magically change your life and make it all “rainbows” and “cupcakes”. Being single might seem lonely for some but it depends on you if you want to feel lonely. You have the choice. You can either choose to be alone or find the beauty in being alone.

The secret is choosing to be happy. Find something to be happy about even if you’re in the state of loneliness, even if you’re all by yourself. Your happiness shouldn’t depend on others. You might compare your love story to everybody else’s but we all have different stories, and they don’t happen and progress at the same time. You shouldn’t rush in entering a relationship just because you’re alone. The best love stories are the ones worth waiting for. All the good things require waiting.

While God is still on the process of writing your love story, be patient. Be patient in waiting for God’s perfect time. Who knows? Maybe in the next Valentine’s Day, you’ll have someone to celebrate it with. But for now, while you’re still single, you should only focus on yourself. Focus on becoming a better version of yourself. Make yourself busy with doing whatever makes you happy. Learn how to appreciate the joy and beauty of being alone. When you learn how to love yourself and feel “whole” in the midst of loneliness, you’ll understand that being single isn’t so bad after all. Remember, one is a whole number.