By Cheryl Mattox Berry
Don’t wait for cupid: Be cupid on Valentine’s Day.
I hate to see girls eyeing their friend’s swag with envy as they walk home from school empty-handed. If you don’t have a boo this year, you’re not alone. There are lots of boys, girls, men and women who will spend the day by themselves.
The cure for Valentine’s Day blues is to bring happiness to someone else who may be feeling lonely, such as widow or widower, senior citizen, nursing home resident, single mom, classmate with no friends and anyone you think doesn’t get enough praise, love and attention. Don’t forget family members who may be in mourning and estranged relatives. They need to know someone cares, too.
Give them a small token of affection. It doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, you can buy a box of cards or make cards, purchase a bouquet of spring flowers and group them in threes tied with a ribbon, bake brownies and cupcakes or wrap mini-sized candy bars in red tissue paper.
Organize friends into The Love Squad and spread cheer at school. Think of silly things you can do, such as singing or rapping to the principal, custodian or cafeteria workers.
At the end of the day, you will have made someone smile, created memories and taken your mind off what you didn’t get on Valentine’s Day. As the saying goes, “It’s better to give than receive. Happy Valentine’s Day!