Valentine's Day for Singles

"Suffering borne in union with Christ is His suffering, inserted in the great work of Redemption and bearing fruit in it."

Blessed Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Hi Everyone

So yesterday was Valentine's Day - the day when we singles are reminded of our singleness. Everywhere I went there were couples smooching and advertisements in shop windows.

I read some blog posts on Valentine's Day for singles where they said to spoil yourself for the day. I took their advice and bought myself some shoes and a hairbrush for under $20. That was nice but it still doesn't make up for the fact that I am not 'qualified' to share the day.

Don't get me wrong I am happy for all those people who have happy relationships and marriages, and who have children. I am pleased for my friends and relatives who have such things.

But I think it is hard to be single. My friend Tracey asked me if I was lonely. I don't think lonely is the right word. I have a beautiful cat and lots of friends. I am always busy socialising. But there is a part of me that yearns for a happy relationship.

I also know that my mental illness prevents me from attracting stable guys. Hopefully now that I am stable that will change but it takes a long time to change people's perceptions.

Lastly I know that Jesus was single. He would have, no doubt, yearned for intimacy. He will understand my dilemma. I can trust Him and pray to Him. As the quote says my sufferings link with His in the great work of redemption. The Apostle Paul says something similar in one of his letters. This means, I think, that my present sufferings are all part of God's great redemptive plan.

God Bless you all and take heart all you fellow singles.

Amber