Happy Valentine’s Day to all my single friends and readers
Are you single on Valentine’s Day? I know that kind of sucks. The rest of the world is with those they love and love them. Their all out to dinner, buying candy, flowers, and mushy cards, and it is making you sick, right?
Lord knows, I’ve been there and know what it’s like. I first just wanted to say that I remember being a single mom for a very long time and wishing that someone would notice me or just, like me a little. I often thought that it would be nice, just to be thought of.
I had a friend named Kim who would send out Valentine’s Day cards to her single friends and so I was lucky to be one of them. No, it wasn’t exactly the same, but it still felt good. I remember smiling and thinking I wish she was a guy! Oh well, that led me to what I will finish off saying.
I decided to make others smile or at least try. I started that very year at Thanksgiving time. I hosted an orphans traditional Thanksgiving meal for those who were far away from their own families. I ended up doing this several years in a row and I think we all looked forward to it. I heard some of the guys say that I was a pretty good cook. Got to love that, right?
I then realized that one of my favorite things to host were English teas. I did it! I had an English tea for my single friends on Valentine’s week then for many years. It was so fun. I broke out the china and beautiful place settings. We had a variety of yummy teas, sandwiches and scones. Oh yes, and we can’t forget the heart shaped cookies and candies! I gave little gifts at each table and served each guest. I wanted them to feel special and cared for, at least for a few hours. Everyone always leaves full and feeling valued. I can’t think of a better way to take the focus off of what I don’t have and be grateful for those I do have. God has blessed me with terrific friends and I want them to feel like I love them and appreciate them.
Now that I am married, I still do these teas. I had one for the senior ladies at church, I had one for the neighbors and I had one for the friends I now have in my new area. It is so much fun for everyone.
It helps to do something fun with other people. Take time out this Valentine’s Day and do something for someone else, especially if you are without a partner. It takes the focus off of what you do not have and places it on what you do have.
Just a thought!
Alicia Eidson MA, M.F.T.
Renewing Hearts Inc.
Director of Clinical Services
University of Central Florida
Professor of Marriage and Intimate Relationships
Seminole State College of florida
Professor of Human Sexuality
407-252-1818
