Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this year I don’t have a Valentine. I’m not sad, and I’m not planning on feeling sorry for myself for being alone alone. Heck, I’ve decided that sometimes being alone is a good thing! You don’t have to please anyone and you can just be who you are! It doesn’t matter that I don’t have someone to shower with chocolate and conversation hearts. I’ll be spending this Valentine’s Day in a special way with a few special friends.
For some single people, February 14th can sometimes make you feel excluded, like the kid who didn’t get picked for the team. I know that sounds pretty bad, but I’ve spent my share of V-day’s alone, eating a tub or two of Prarie Farms ice cream, watching sappy romance movies. I’ve also had my share of wonderful and downright amazing Valentine’s Days with my beloved Piotr. My dear Piotr made sure that everyday was Valentine’s Day, so he went all out on the actual holiday. This year, I’ll be spending this one alone, and while I’d love nothing better than to wallow in the misery of single life, I’m choosing to spend this day visiting a few lonely hearts at the Vanderburgh Humane Society.
Those of us who are single might want to ignore the holiday, hole up in the house and wait for February 15th to arrive. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself or ignoring the day altogether, make this Valetine’s Day special for someone else. Having a Valentine doesn’t mean you have to be in love, or in a relationship. Little kids give everyone Valentine’s Day cards, so why not send one to your grandma or a long lost friend from the old days. Better yet, invite an old friend out for coffee, or visit a local nursing home to spend time with those who may truly be alone this Valentine’s Day.
If you can’t seem to find someone to spend the day with, and don’t want to spend it alone, consider visiting the dogs and cats at the Vanderburgh Humane Society. The facility is visitor friendly, accommodating those who just want to browse and those who would want a little more hands on experience. There are three kennel rooms of dogs who need a special visitor, a room of furry rodents and rabbits, several cat areas and a free-range room where cats can roam to hearts content. I try to visit the VHS as often as I can. It used to make me really sad to visit the old facility on Buchanan Rd. With the new building and spay/neuter clinic, the VHS has become one of my favorite places to visit in Evansville. The staff is dedicated to making these animals have at least a little comfort during such a stressful and lonely time. Being around these broken hearted animals makes a solo Valentine’s Day seem not so much to handle.
If you go to the Vanderburgh Humane Society this Valentine’s Day, remember to check their website for details on needed donations and bring in your soda caps and aluminum cans for recycling. Spend the day visiting with every shelter resident, giving them a little love and companionship. You can even give the dogs treats and help them practice their sit command. You never know, you might end up finding someone who melts your heart and makes this Valentine’s Day the last one you will spend alone!
Love and kisses,
Lil ïŠ
