First of all, stop dwelling on the fact that your valentine is far away and be thankful you have one in the first place. Let’s face it, wouldn’t you rather mope about having a valentine that is far away than mope about not having one at all? Why not start the day out by telling them just that? It’s probably not easy for them either, and hearing that you appreciate them and are thinking of them will brighten their day.Talking to each other should have you feeling a little better already.
Now it’s up to you to make your day awesome. Chicago is a great place to spend Valentine’s day because there are so many things to do. Try using your lunch break to meet with a good friend or catch up with a family member. Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about romantic love; your friends and family would also like to be reminded of how much you love them. It might be nice to find a cozy place to sit like The Grafton on Lincoln Avenue where you can sit in front of the fire and enjoy an Irish coffee while chatting with loved ones. Or stop and grab a quick bite at a food truck and go for a walk. A little bit of sunshine and a quick wander through the city will help boost your spirits. However you spend your break, try to do something that makes you feel good.
After work, you might feel a little down after hearing about coworker’s romantic date plans all day. To avoid falling into the dumps, try to plan a small adventure for yourself. For example, go to that exhibit you always wanted to go but could never find anyone to go with. Or grab a beer at that swanky jazz bar downtown, and maybe you’ll strike up conversation with other lonely “Valentiners.” How about catching a cult film? There’s a sweet theater called The Music Box which is always showing cult films, documentaries, and other interesting movies. No matter what you decide on, try to do something exciting or out of the ordinary. Think about how much fun you’ll have rehashing your adventure with your partner later.
Finally, make dinner count. Valentine’s Day dinner is always one of the most anticipated parts of the day, and why can’t yours be? If you want a fancy dinner in an overpriced restaurant, then go for it. Put on a your best outfit, buy a nice dinner, and enjoy every expensive bite. If it feels too lonely, make your valentine a part of it too. Give them a call during dinner or send them pictures of yourself looking fantastic and of your expensive dinner. Or if perhaps you’re feeling a bit sour, pop over to Ed Debevic’s. Here the staff is known for their sarcastic and sometimes rude banter with the clientele. Well, now you don’t have to pretend to be nice to anyone and getting in a few biting remarks might make you feel a little better. If you’re not feeling up to dinner for one, why not make your favorite food and plan a Skype date? You don’t even have to change out of your pajamas, and you can cheer each other up.
Valentine’s Day can be a great holiday to appreciate loved ones, and try not to forget that. Just because your Valentine is far away doesn’t mean that you have to be miserable all day. Instead, remind yourself how lucky you are to have someone and get out there and enjoy your day.
