Six Sensational Ways to Spend a Single Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. And you're single. Are you dreading Valentine's Day simply because you're single? As the holiday approaches, are you feeling anxious because it's a "couple's holiday" and you feel left out? Do you see lovebirds all around you and suddenly feel a little lonely?

Well, who says the fun of Valentine's is only meant for couples? Here are some tips on how you and your singleton friends can enjoy Feb. 14 in fine and fun fashion -- without the moping:

1. Host a Traveling Dinner Party
Gather together a group of friends or co-workers to have a multi-part dinner, with each course held in a different location. Appetizers at one place, main course at another, and head someplace completely different for dessert. Have courses at people's homes, or plan an evening out where you can mix and mingle with other people. If you decide to dine out, be sure to make reservations!

2. Send Flowers to a Friend
Want to cheer someone up? Send them flowers. You can remain anonymous or 'fess up about who you are. Consider sending flowers to family members who may feel a little blue during this holiday. Send a spray of fresh flowers to your sister or mother, a bouquet to your daughter, or bundle of balloons to your best friend.

3. Have a Recycling Party
If you're looking for a unique way to spend Valentine's Day, have the ultimate recycling party. Inspired by a group of women featured in "Tales from the Front," at this party you and your friends bring a former boyfriend (BYOB: Bring Your Old Boyfriend) or former girlfriend (BYOG: Bring Your Old Girlfriend). Play fun games to get to know one another. Make the night a potluck dinner for which everyone brings his or her favorite dish along with some favorite CDs. You could even have a white elephant gift exchange with silly toys, frilly lingerie and heart-shaped candy.

4. Call It a Sport's Night
If you're a whiz at sports, have a sport's night where you explain the game to those who are less savvy. Invent your own competition and ways of showing team spirit, such as giving a certain cheer for special plays, or giving rewards when your team reaches a given score.

5. Do It for Charity
One of the best ways to beat the holiday blues is to focus on something outside out of yourself. Rather than spend the day alone, reach out to someone special and make his or her world a little brighter. If you have a cause that's a real passion for you, volunteer this Valentine's Day. Call up the local children's hospital and ask if you can spend time with the kids making valentines, singing songs and enjoying each other's company. Go to the humane society and offer to bathe dogs, placing big red bows around their necks as Valentine's presents for new owners. Sign up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister.

6. Be Adventurous
Maybe the secret for you is to step outside of your usual routine and do something out of the ordinary. Get back to nature with a polar bear plunge, or organize a moonlit cross-country skiing trip with hot chocolate or a even a ghost story or two. Drive a different way home, sample distinctive ethnic food or check out a new art museum. By stepping out of your usual habits, who knows? Maybe you'll find your perfect Valentine for next year!

GinaMaria Jerome is a writer, consultant and trainer. For more tips on meeting people, check out her book, The Portable Pocket People Meeter: 50 Ways to Meet, Greet, and Communicate.