Single on Valentine's Day? Five Things to Do if Cupid Hasn't Shot You Yet

Valentine’s Day is upon us once again. For some, the holiday is a great opportunity to express love. For others, it is a chance to get presents. And for a large portion of the population, it is the most horrible day of the year.

It’s a time when couples get to celebrate their love and singles get to just sit by and watch. So what can singles do to keep their minds off the cruelest of holidays? Here are a few ideas: 

1. You Need to Know Volunteering Feels Good– Is there a better way to feel better than to give back to others? Whether it’s volunteering at a local , such as the Bloomingdale or Kinnelon animal shelters, or volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, giving back is one of the best ways to feel a lot less lonely. No time to feel sorry for yourself when you’re surrounded by the less fortunate.
2. You Need to Know Lots of Couples Meet at the Gym – Dru Brooks, the general manager of , in Butler, explained that the gym can be a great, healthy place for people to meet. "A lot of people meet others in the gym. It can be a very social activity because like minds do like activities," he said. "That gives you an opportunity to do a class, get on a spin bike, or do a step class, or yoga. You’re doing something that you’re interested in and you run into someone who’s also interested. It can be a great start to a lot of relationships.” Valentine’s Day is as good as any to get your heart healthy.
3. You Need to Know to Stay in and Avoid the Love Doves – You don’t want to cook but you don’t want to be the only “table for one” in a sea of tables “for two.” Even going out with a friend can be awkward with all the love flowing everywhere. Denise Carrozza, of the , suggests you pay a visit to the library. “We have a lot of CDs and DVDs for anyone that wants to stay inside and see a good love story, or listen to some good music with a bottle of wine.” 
4. You Need to Know How to Escape – Carrozza lead us to another idea. A good book is one of the best ways to escape. “Everyone has access to everything here, and it’s absolutely free, which is good in these economic times,” said Carrozza. She has her own romantic recommendations if you're in the mood for a little love. “Anything by Nicholas Sparks. Nights in Rodanthe is a great love story. What’s really big and hot out there is the romance with the vampires. People are eating this up, so to say.”
5. You Need to Know Flowers Aren't Just For Lovers – In the end, family members are the ones who will always be there, waiting with loving arms. Vesna Ilic, of , suggested looking to family members as your valentines. “You can still bring flowers to your child on Valentine’s [Day]. Not the red roses. You can do mixed colors. Your mother, your friend. It doesn’t have to be a dozen red roses.”