Valentine's Day is just one of those days that is extremely difficult for those in Plan B. It is a day for couples to express their love for each other. What do you do on this day and what does it mean when you are in Plan B?

First, let's look at what Plan B is. Plan B protects three (and possibly four) entities: you, your marriage, your spouse, and - if you have them - your children. Staying in Plan B on Valentine's Day is difficult and goes against every cell in your body. In this way, it is caring for your spouse, yourself, and your marriage and demonstrating love. It is giving - because you exercise self-restraint in the interest of your marriage.

It is hard to exercise restraint when there are no activities to do. I think it is important to keep yourself busy. You need to spoil someone on Valentine's Day, and I think you should spend it spoiling yourself. Here are some suggestions on how to love yourself this Valentine's Day:

1.) Take a long, hot bath with a good book.
2.) Go to the salon and get a manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing, new hairstyle - or all of the above! (or give yourself one)
3.) Get a makeover. These have the benefit of being free. Most sales people at department stores (Macy's, Hechts, etc) are more than happy to demonstrate their products on you and give you a new look (in the hopes of selling their products, of course).
4.) Treat yourself to a nice dinner.
5.) Light a fire (if you have a fireplace) and treat yourself to a good movie, book, CD, or video game.
6.) Treat yourself to a day at a bookstore. If you go to a Barnes and Noble, Borders, etc many have coffee bars in them. Get a nice Latte or Espresso and sit with a book on a subject you enjoy (they have books on subjects I've never heard of) that you ultimately do not even have to pay for.
7.) Take yourself (with our without friends) on an outing. Suggestions include museums, science centers, historical sites, zoos, and aquariums.
8.) Take a scenic drive, hike, or bikeride. Notice the small things that you miss in hectic everyday life - the squirrel digging up buried treasures or the frozen brook with the artistic ice sculptures achieved only by nature.
9.) Go get a massage! Have someone else take care of you for a while.
10.) Make a list of all the reasons that you love you and remember who you are as an individual. Take a moment to reflect on how that person - you! - deserves to be protected and needs respectful boundaries.

This is a perfect day to take care of yourself and show yourself a little love.

Happy Valentines Day ALL!