Valentines Day Survival Guide For Singles in Canada’s Most Romantic City

Love is in the air – but what do you do if you’re alone in Canada’s most romantic city? WayPoint Counselling has some survival tips for the thousands of single men and women who are coping with all the excitement around Valentine’s Day.

“Not everyone is in the mood for love,” says WayPoint clinical director George Bielay. “In fact, this time of year can be downright depressing if you’re all alone.”

Amazon.ca has voted Victoria as Canada’s Most Romantic City for three years running.  Sexier still, online retailer PinkCherry reports sales of adult novelty items are strong in the Victoria community of Colwood. And USA Today reports Victoria as one of the most romantic winter Get-Aways.

“There are more than 15,000 unattached women in Victoria,” says Bielay. “For many singles, Valentine’s Day can be distressing with overwhelming feelings of self-doubt, loneliness and even depression.  But being single shouldn’t be a reason to be bummed out about Valentine’s Day.”

Instead of getting sucked into self-misery, singles can do plenty with these Valentine’s Day survival tips.

1.Plan Something on Valentine’s Day

Rather than feeling sorry for yourself, deliberately plan something.  It doesn’t have to be a big deal, but it should be something a little special.  Be social, call a friend for coffee or a drink. If you’re staying in, plan a nice meal, order out, rent that movie you’ve been wanting to see.

2.Pamper Yourself

It’s a great idea to pamper yourself. It might be a spa-day, going for a massage, wine and bubble bath, going away for the weekend, or visiting a distant friend.  Whatever it is, go ahead and treat yourself.

3.Play Cupid, Surprise Someone

You’re not the only single person in town, so why not surprise someone with an anonymous Valentine’s Day gesture and put a smile on someone’s face?  Friendships are always worthy of acknowledging – just say “Thanks for being a good friend.”

4.Be a Rebel

Arrange a get together with other singles. Stage a Valentine’s Day protest potluck and games night for singles.

5.Remember, it’s not the end of the world

Keep Valentine’s Day in perspective by remembering it is a commercially designed day, and it really is just another day on the calendar.  More importantly, reminding yourself that your relationship status does not define you as a person, or your value or worthiness.

WayPoint Counselling Victoria provides mental health counselling and psychological services, executive coaching and career counselling to individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations in Greater Victoria. WayPoint prides itself on the relationship between consumer and counsellor – finding the appropriate fit between a client’s needs and a counsellor’s expertise.