Not everyone’s Valentine’s Day is filled with flowers and kisses.  In fact, many of my favorite Valentine’s Days were actually spent single.  For every person that has been disappointed by the “I should have NO-expectation” boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse, you totally know what I mean.  So whether you are single or preparing for possible disappointment, take control of the situation.  Make your Valentine’s Day a day of showing yourself how wonderful you truly are!

Here are 10 ways to treat yourself extra special on Valentine’s Day.

• Write yourself a love letter.  Be sure to allow yourself time to do this.  Make it a genuine letter of appreciation, gratitude, thoughtfulness and unconditional love to yourself…all about you.   Once you finish, seal it up for a day when you need it.  Be sure to use the good stationary.
• Bake yourself a cake.  When I was growing up, my mother taught me to never wait on someone else to out a smile on your face.  You deserve to be celebrated.  I suggest chocolate with raspberries.
• Check into a spa hotel and indulge in everything the hotel has to offer.  Even better….try to get on the concierge’s floor where you can find lots of added perks.  If that isn’t in your budget, then create a mini-spa with pedi & facial areas in your home.  Put on some classical music and let go of everything that is holding you down.
• A good book brightens any day.  Spend a few extra dollars to get the book you really want.  Settle into a comfy chair with a cup of warm tea and get lost in the story!
• Surround yourself with beauty.  Go to a local farmer’s market, whole foods or a local store and buy yourself the biggest bunch of your favorite flowers.  Take it home, make one big bouquet and take one flower and set it in each room you frequent.
• Puppy Power!  Crawl into a clean bed with your puppies for 30 minutes of play only to be followed by a 30 minute nap.  It doesn’t get any better than that!
• Fondue for one is just as good as fondue for two, maybe even better.  Cheese or chocolate fondue…it’s all good.  My favorite dipping item is grapes, but anything goes!
• Turn it up.  Put on your favorite tunes and dance until you fall down smiling.  There is something about dancing around with no one watching that makes you feel like a kid again.
• Settle in.  Find your most comfy pajamas and stay in them ALL day.  Even better…put on your favorite movie, grab a bowl of popcorn and enjoy a guilt-free evening.
• Get moving.  Not wanting to be alone?  Head out to Starbucks or the gym.  You never know…you may find someone to spend your next Valentine’s Day with.

Whether you choose to do one of the things above or care to venture out on your own, just be sure to remind yourself that you are loved.  In truth, Valentine’s Day is not for lovers….it is for showing those you love that they matter and no one matters in your life as much as YOU do.