Dear Love Mechanic,

I always seem to get depressed around Valentine's Day because I'm always alone and single when it rolls around. I wondered what advice you give to singles who are down and out around this time, when stories about budding love are everywhere?

Lonely & Single

Dear Lonely,

Valentine's Day does tend to bring those who are single down, but you can do something about it... I suggest you take action. There are so many single people out there looking for something to do as well.

Plan a Valentine's cocktail party with a group of single friends. If you don't have a big enough place where people can hang out, contact a local hot spot for dinner or head to a nightclub with some great music.

As well, get a group to go bowling, dancing, or even hiking. Be the leader and plan ahead. Reserve a special table and ask those invited to bring along a single friend of the opposite sex.

On a more helpful note, you can always get involved with charities that help underprivileged children. Within each community there are many types of organizations and events where your help is needed.

And most of all, count your blessings. Some singles say that Valentine's Day makes them take a deeper look at some of the realities of life... like the advantages of being single. You need to be grateful and accentuate the positive attributes that you have so you can attract people that are on the same wavelength.

Renee