If you ran an actual count, you'd find a lot of singlet people who don't plan on spending Valentine's Day with a partner. In fact, a 2010 study by the U.S. Census Bureau found there were nearly one-million unmarried people over age 18 in America, which represents nearly 44 percent of the adult population.
That's a lot of people who won't be dining over candlelight next Tuesday.
But wait a minute; with so many people unmatched on February 14, surely they've come up with some great ways to spend Valentine's Day that don't involve wallowing in depression. After all, being single is pretty cool. At least the Census Bureau makes it clear you're not alone.
To make your day more enjoyable, here are a few ways to enjoy this romantic holiday without a committed partner.
1. Gang Up
If 44 percent of Americans log in as singletons, you must have a few other friends who also fly solo. Call 'em up and make some plans. To cut costs, purchase gift cards at such sites as GiftCardGranny for savings on dining out, seeing a movie, party supplies, or simply for gas that'll get you where you're going.
2. Namaste
Treat yourself to a yoga class and end the day all loosey-goosey and centered. You don't have to spend a fortune on a club membership to namaste your way to serenity, either. Many health clubs offer a couple free weeks or, at least, several gratis passes, that allow you to check them out. Some yoga studios also allow you to either sample their wares for free or pay for just one class. Find a yoga studio in your city with YogaFinder.com.
3. Go Country
You don't have to have a partner to line dance, so find the closest country bar and shake your booty. Even if you're not a country-music fan, you may find the dancing is a real kick.
4. Serve Dinner
Invite a friend or two over for dinner. You don't need candles, flowers and a fancy meal to have a fun evening. Pizza will do just fine, if you don't feel like cooking.
5. Watch a Movie
Sometimes it helps to wallow a bit, but you'll want to avoid romantic films like "When Harry Met Sally." Go for something that'll get the tears rolling without making you feel lonely. "Steel Magnolias" is always a good one for gals and "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" is a great guy's flick. Don't forget the pint of ice cream.
6. Celebrate
February 14 is also "Singles Appreciation Day" in the United States. It's an entire holiday dedicated to reminding romantic couples you don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate life. Get your single friends together -- both males and females -- to enumerate all the ways you each love your lifestyle.
7. Ignore the Hype
This day doesn't have to be any different than the rest of the year. Just ignore all the media hype and focus on "me time." Read a book, take a walk, cook up a storm...whatever makes you happy. Just don't read the newspaper or watch television.
Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. She is available for in-studio, satellite or skype interviews and to write guest posts or articles. To view recent interviews or for more savings tips visit AndreaWoroch.com.
I'm a former 7th grade Science teacher turned stay-at-home mom that lives in Houston, Texas. I am married to my college sweetheart and have a beautiful daughter named Riley, who definitely keeps me on my toes! I am also involved in starting a small business which would both manufacture and sell an invention that I've patented, called Toothpaste 2 Go. I love interacting with my readers and hope to learn as much about you as you learn about me!
Melissa @ Mommy Living the Life of Riley!
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