Let’s face it –Valentine’s Day can be somewhat of a let down.

If you’re single, you’ve never felt so alone in your life. If you’re widowed, you think about your lost partner more than ever. And if you are in a loving and committed relationship, half the time the holiday is just another day and you end up in different rooms because you need to watch CSI and your partner is singing along to American Idol.

Truth be told though, times are changing. As we become more comfortable in relationships or in our own skin, flaunting your status –single or otherwise – becomes less important.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just 53 percent – about half – of people 65 and older were married in 2006. So for all of you out there who feel like you’re the only one not buying an overpriced box of chocolates this February, you’re far from it. There are a lot of people out there, people of all ages, who are flying solo and are happy about it. In fact, a Senior Security Study shows that while more than 6 out of 10 seniors are focused on ways to stay mentally sharp, less than half are worried about their relationship status and less than a third are concerned about dealing with loneliness. Furthermore, a study by Chemistry.com shows that about half the adults in this country are single, and even more than that believe happiness can come without marriage.

In other words, seniors are out there making themselves happy without following the traditional definitions. Just take a word of advice from Heather Fraser this month and you’ll not only find ways to fight off the Valentine’s blues, but you’ll see how positivity attracts positivity and nothing helps a single person find love or companionship like a friendly smile.

If you want a quick way to put that smile on your face, read about Lorraine Seymourian’s quest to make seniors sexy again in my Q&A with the TV and radio personality whose new club is redefining the prime years of your life.

If you are feeling down this February, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Valentine’s Day and the post-holiday season can bring on feelings of loneliness and depression, and Herb Weiss’ piece on the Samaritans can help you through your rough patch.

For those of you who are celebrating Cupid’s holiday with a special someone, consider volunteering with him or her as described by Susan Contreras this month. Or better yet, get some relationship advice from our very own Don Fowler, who has been married for 49 years.

If you’re sick of the lovey-dovey stories you’ve been inundated with since New Year’s Day, take a break and read up on Rhode Island history courtesy of Don D’Amato, or find out how the Governor’s Medicaid Proposal is going to affect you.

Whether you’re a romantic or a cynic, a single or a spouse, just remember that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a let down. Go out and do whatever makes you happy and let the people you care about know how important they are in whatever capacity they bring joy into your life. And if all else fails, there’s always the Valentine’s Day stand by – buy yourself flowers and chocolates.

Meg Fraser

Editor

Next month, as the snow melts – hopefully – we’ll talk about home improvements and modifications and how to take a do-it-yourself attitude in a lot of new ways.