soyouvebeendumped.com - forget valentine's day - celebrate St Singleton's Day!

Well it's that time of year again - February - and therefore that annoying couples day is nearly upon us. It's the day that singletons all over the globe appear to despise the most (right up there with New Year's Eve!)

Single people tend to be either vehemently against it - writing it off as a stupid "Hallmark" holiday - or they dread it - somehow fearing a lack of cards and chocolates will send them spiralling into despair.

To avoid the pitfalls of the day, first off, a few years ago, I came up with the idea to change in the name. I proposed we call it St. Singleton's Day instead of that tired old St. Valentine's Day. I chose that name St. Singletons because instead of focusing on the lack in your life (namely, a "special someone") - you focus on all that is great about being single. I encourage you to remember that you do have someone special in your life - YOU - so you're not really alone. (Yeah, ok I know it sounds hokey - but it's true).

This February 14 - I suggest you try some of the following suggestions to see you through.

Find a posse
On February 14th (or the weekend prior) why not round up some friends who are also single and go for a meal and movie, or to a club or pub, if that's more your speed).

Remember that, despite how it may feel, not everyone in the world is part of a "happy couple" - even though on this day it might feel ike it! Many people who are a part of a couple right now are wishing they were single and are envying your single status anyway. No joke.

Also, trust that there are millions of other singles just like you out there, all around the world, and some of us are even happy that we aren't part of a couple!

Date yourself
If you don't have any single friends, then have a date with yourself. You're worth it! I know that sounds a tad naff, but why not treat yourself how you'd want to be treated? Nowhere does it say you can't treat yourself to your favorite meal, chocolates or a film. This is true every day - not just St. Singleton's Day - by the way.

Control your thinking
On holidays such as Christmas, New Year's or indeed February 14, it's easy to start looking backwards at previous holidays spent with an ex (or what have you) but you have the power to avoid looking backwards. At the end of the day, walking down memory lane will probably only make you feel worse - so it's best to look forward to your future. How you think determines how you feel - so watch what you think.

Make a list
For the day, continue to look for the good things about being free and single and concentrate on them. You know, the little things like: the ice cream in your freezer is all yours, you can snog anyone you fancy without repercussions. and you can wear what you like, eat when you like, sleep in the middle of the bed and so forth - without getting criticised.

Best of all - you can learn that being single doesn't have to be a stop-gap between relationships. It can actually be a rewarding time - whereby you grow, learn, and most importantly have FUN.

Think about it, right now you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want and with whomever you want! The world is your oyster so concentrate on things that are good about being solo, and not how much you're missing that ex or a special someone!

The Grass is Greener
Single people often want to be part of a couple and couples often miss things about being single - that will never change. The key is being happy within in yourself - regardless of your relationship status.

Eventually, chances are, you'll probably find yourself in another relationship and then you'll inevitably discover that you're actually missing some of the best bits about the time when you were single. So take my advice and celebrate your single status this year.

Who knows what the year will bring...? You might just be back to celebrating that other holiday with someone special...But for now - Happy St Singleton's Day from a fellow Singleton!