Bah Humbug! Sure that phrase was patented by the folks at Christmas Co but we’re going to licence it here for a moment. What an exclusive little club Valentines Day feels like when you’re on the outer right?!? Well this year, if you’re flying solo we wanted to give you a few tips on how to best navigate Valentines and come out with a few positives. No need to reel from bar to bar bouncing of one smooching couple to the next. This year, we’re gonna take the power back!

Recognise the day for what it is

A pinch of cynicism goes a long way on Valentines Day of you’re single, and let’s face it, it’s not hard to question the true meaning of the day. Years ago Valentines was a noble notion but it’s easy to see how corporate it has become in some circles. The fact that many around the world refer to it as Hallmark day suggests how the meaning of Valentines has been lost a little, and the pressure to get loved ones outlandishly expensive and inventive gifts has replaced the simple idea of reminding loved ones how you feel about them. So bugger all those couples out there getting fleeced by the man! At least you know the real score.

Make it your day

So who the hell took out a lease on February 14th anyways? You think Saint Valentine and his cronies have official deeds on the day? I don’t think so! So, to hell with the whole thing, let’s get the calendar out and make some serious plans, it’s time to indulge, we’re talking major endorphin intake people. So what’s your passion? Are you a gamer? Is food your first love? Maybe you’re a movie junkie; whatever you love doing when you have spare time, lock in some serious indulgence for the 14th. Instead of moping about this year, get some take-away from that expensive Indian place, buy that new game or rent that new movie and treat yourself.

Work on yourself

If you’re still thinking about finding a significant other then maybe today can be a catalyst of sorts. New Years has become the yearly set-up for failure. All those resolutions biting the dust throughout January, well make a few resolutions now, free of all the New Year’s pressure. If you really want to get into the dating thing again then look at the areas that can always use a little tweaking. We’re talking fitness, your wardrobe, your personal hygiene, your hobbies, start making small steps to improve any areas of your life that have become a little neglected, maybe take that trial membership at the gym, set a savings goal each month to be spent on new clothes, spend some cash on that new hair cut or getting some work done at the dentist or maybe join that dance class and meet some new people. All steps in the right direction.

Band together

When the 14th roles around, you can be sure there are millions of people sitting about thinking they are the last of the singles – bollocks. Remember you’re not along, there are millions of you out there tackling Valentines alone, so why not band together and find strength in numbers. Give a few of your single mates a call and organise something fun, a BBQ, a paintballing trip, maybe a pub-crawl. Enjoy friends and remember the great relationships you do have rather than thinking about some mythical relationship you don’t.

Reach out

We’ve been taught since childhood that Valentines Day is about making a connection with someone, from those hand drawn cards passed around anonymously in grade three to the grandiose wedding proposals made atop the Eiffel tower… cliché much? Well how about employing the essence of the day and reaching out to make a difference to someone else. Hit up a few local charities, maybe you can offer your services to St Vinnies for the afternoon, maybe shell out some food at the local homeless centre. How about doing a nice turn for a family member or maybe drop in on that elderly neighbour for a friendly chat, it will make their day that much brighter and it will make yours much more enjoyable too.

Pie on

If you do find yourself at home and you’re not inclined to get out and try any of the above suggestions, keep yourself busy, maybe it’s time for a RedHotPie overhaul. As they say, a change is as good as a holiday. How about changing your user name or re-writing your profile, maybe throw up a few new photos. Other users are always looking for fresh new names and faces so don’t let your Pie persona go cold, shake it up baby!