Just because you’re single doesn’t mean Valentine’s Day is just another day on the calendar. You have love to give, and here are a few suggestions on how to spread it around:
Love for community
If you love children, why not volunteer with your local Girl or Boy Scout troop? If you love animals, volunteer at a nearby animal shelter. If you support a charity, participate in its events.
For help finding organizations to partner with, go to volunteermatch.com.
Love for friends
Don’t forget that your friends are your *other* significant others. Spend some time with them — especially if they are mending broken hearts this time of year.
And if you’re both single, go out for a night on the town.
Love for nature
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we spend about 90% of our time indoors, where exposure to pollutants is “2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.”
As a result, it’s probably a good time to develop a love for hiking, canoeing, gardening, picnicking, tree planting or any other outdoors activity.
Love for pets
Your pets need a Valentine, too. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend $751 million on gifts for our four-legged friends this year. Pet stores have a line of products — from heart-shaped cat scratchers to XOXO knit sweaters to pink bow tie dog collars.
If you really want to pamper your pooch, you could spring for a relaxing time at a pet spa. Also, don’t let dietary restrictions prevent a pet from exercising its sweet tooth. While human sweets are bad for them, some bakeries for pets sell delicacies for dogs.
If you’re in a do-it-yourself mood, here are some ideas for homemade treats.