Cheat Sheet for the Romantically Challenged

Reivew our cheat sheet for the romantically challenged.
By: Jennifer Plum Auvil

Don’t get down in the dumps on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re going through a break-up or you have simply been unlucky in love lately, don’t let Valentine’s Day become an excuse for moping. Embrace the classic day for lovebirds as an opportunity for fun and maybe even a spark with fellow singles, and keep Cupid’s spirit strong throughout the year with a little help from our cheat sheet for the romantically challenged.

Be Proactive
Whitney Casey, relationship expert at Match.com and author of The Man Plan, suggests that singles embrace the holiday. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day to feel sorry for yourself, and Casey has some tips on how to grasp the day and be a proactive single. “Have a friend help you with your profile, and book some social events to get out there,” she recommends. Put your best foot (and photo) forward with a profile on an online dating service. The old standbys are Match.com and eHarmony or free sites like OkCupid and Plentyoffish. Or opt for an in-person meeting with a matchmaking service like It's Just Lunch, which coordinates low-key lunch dates or post-work cocktails for busy professionals.
Play Some Games
Relationship experts may advise against playing games, but you might just meet your next fling on the field, whether that’s soccer, flag football or even kickball. See if your city has a sport and social club like those in Chicago, Baltimore, San Francisco or New York. It’s not only about the team sports. The social aspect to these clubs incorporates plenty of happy hours, trivia nights and special events throughout the year.
Reinvent Singles Night
Before indulging in the lonely hearts stereotype on Valentine’s Day, or any other dateless evening, embrace your freedom and plan a night out. Collect a group of friends for an anti-Valentine's day adventure and scour the web for events in your town. Some fun options include the Endless Night Vampire Ball held each year around Valentine’s Day in New York. You can also join the hard-partying singles for drink specials for all the singles ladies on the Strip at the Rockhouse Bar in Las Vegas.
Enjoy a Change of Scenery
Skip the heart-shaped hot tub and frilly bed and breakfast décor and plan a solo vacation with a slew of other singles. Meet Market Adventures organizes local events as well as singles vacations. You can see the world and track down those much-talked-about other fish in the sea on the other side of the globe or closer to home on a vacation adventure including skiing, safaris, cruises, dude ranch adventures and National Park outdoors excursions. Or, if you prefer to go it alone without the tour guide, gather up your best wing-men (or women) and book a trip to any of the best cities for singles.

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