Spending Valentine’s Day by yourself: A few quick tips

For many people, Valentine’s Day is the day to send bouquets of roses or chocolates in heart-shaped boxes to the one they love, go on a special dinner date at a fancy restaurant, or simply spend quality time with their spouse or romantic partner. But for others, this day is anything but romantic, for it again reminds them that they don’t have a “special someone” to enjoy it with this year.

Count those whose spouse or romantic partner is living or working overseas as among those people. Sure, 21st-century technology has helped them ease the loneliness they feel with video calls and instant messages, if those are available to them, but sometimes they’re not enough.

If you’re one of them, money-transfer company MoneyGram offers some ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day, whether you’re single by choice or circumstance.

Make new friends, and get ‘adopted.’ If you’re new to a foreign land, take the initiative to know it more. Visit popular sites and new attractions, as well as try new dishes. Think of it as a long vacation. Try to understand the country’s culture and history. Feel good about the place and, soon enough, you’ll get to meet new friends.

Release ‘happy’ hormones. Feeling good starts with yourself. A simple walk to a nearby mall or an Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) station can release endorphins that will make you feel better. Jog around your block, or look for studios that offer dance classes. Doing what you like to feel better is the key. Remember, just because you are alone right now doesn’t mean that this won’t ever change.

Take a break from social media. Yes, reading Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts and liking the photos on them are a great way to keep track of what everybody else is doing, but this may actually add to your loneliness, if you let it. Seeing how people are moving on with their lives without you may not be the best for now.

Take a break from social media or limit your time there. Instead of looking at what everyone else is doing, go outside and enjoy the scenery. Be a tourist and post pictures of your environment or join a local club and show your activities there to friends and family.

Send gifts to your loved ones. The internet is full of online shops where you can buy neatly wrapped gifts to surprise your loved ones. Did you know that you can also purchase flowers online and have them delivered anywhere in the world? Neat, right? Just be mindful that you are dealing with legitimate sellers who won’t just take your hard-earned cash.

Book it! If all else fails, be on t he lookout for travel fairs and seat sales to score a flight to where your spouse or romantic is, be at home or overseas. Scour the internet and mobile apps for the cheapest and most convenient rates. Nothing beats the rush of finally being able to touch your loved one.

For more information about MoneyGram and the services it offers, visit moneygram.com.