Cupid is busy shooting arrows all around town but you may be one of many persons who mightn't even be feeling a pinprick.

When you're going solo on Valentine's Day, the red and white mania probably grates your nerves. You try to drown out the drone of romantic music on the radio. Wait hopelessly for an ex to give you a ring on your cellphone. Literally try to will yourself out of the couch strewn with chewing gum wrappers and four empty banana chip packs.

But rescue isn't on the cards - at least not today.

Being dateless on Valentine's Day isn't the end of the world, but it certainly can evoke feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. February 14 is finally here and you cringe at the thought of being alone.

However, the celebrations aren't only for couples. Who better to dote on than yourself?

So, for all the single men and women out there, don't worry about the pressures that often come with the love feast. Embrace these ideas and you'll have a blast.

1 Watch a movie, nothing mushy or romantic. Go for something like Transporter 3, Underworld or Friday the 13th that are now showing. It will distract you from the fact that you are alone. Afraid of going to the cinema by yourself? Rent a movie or borrow a DVD you've been longing to watch.

2 Play video games you've never tried before. This will keep you occupied for hours. NBA 2K9, Tomb Raider Underworld and GRID have received rave reviews. If you don't have the required consoles to play these games, boot up your PC or laptop and log on to gamespot.com, pcgames.com or miniclips.com.

3 Work up a sweat. There are many community clubs out there that offer lessons and opportunities to engage your body and mind. Why not mix things up and book an hour of golf at Caymanas Golf Club? Or go jogging. Chances are you will return home with only enough energy to shower and go to sleep.

4 If you're finishing up studies and you're behind on the syllabus, now would be a good time to dive into those books. If you're up to speed, read ahead. The house will probably emptier than usual if most folks are out partying. Valentine's Day is somewhat in the middle of the school year, so you could always use the extra day to play catch-up.

5 Try a new recipe, if possible a three-course meal. This will bring new excitement to the day. And you can do enough to serve you the rest of the weekend. Top it off with a bit of bubbly and a relaxing hot bath. Turn off the lights, take out scented candles and put in your favourite CD.

6 Clean your apartment. Clear everything out and clean from ceiling to floor. When's the last time you did that? That foot of shoe or pair of glasses you've been searching for might just turn up.

Whatever you do, be sure to avoid defining yourself by your relationship status - that's not your identity. There's a big consolation prize for loners while everyone else is maxing out their credit cards on jewellery and pricey dinner dates, just think of all the money you are saving!

randy.bowman@gleanerjm.com