Feel the Happy

Recently it seems like everyone around me is a grumpy old sod. 

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and while I know we brits don't celebrate it anywhere near as fervently as the Americans do, I was sad to see so many people calling it 'just another day on the calendar' or 'another excuse for the shops to get money out of us'. My first thought is that they all must be resentful of the couples who are celebrating it, but shockingly quiet a few were happily coupled up. So then I had to wonder why exactly they couldn't just celebrate Valentine's day as the one day in the year where you will find people walking around with giant heart-shaped balloons or have a stack of roses anonymously delivered to your door. It's not like romance is dead or anything.

Personally, I think this severe lack of joy is a serious problem. And it got me into thinking of a few ways to combat the hate and hostility towards what I see as a perfectly innocent little day that would never purposefully try to hurt anyone.

As of now, ladies and gentlemen of the United Kingdom of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, you all should adhere to the following rules to ensure the love is spread evenly across the surface of our little spot on earth:

1. Smile. All the time. At people who you dont' know. At people who look particularly grumpy. Because when you smile at them it will guarantee to brighten up their day a little bit.

2. Be nice to everyone. Open doors, say your pleases and thank yous and if you're in no hurry, why not let that poor, ruffled young man slip before you in the queue, because you can bet he'll be really grateful.

3. Do a good deed once a day (at least). Yes, even if it's quickly running to the shops for your sister because she has a stomach ache.

4. Play happy music quietly. Let it seep into their consciousness. Before they know it they'll be whistling 'Singin' in the Rain' and feel happier.

5. Tell your loved ones you care. Nothing says happy like a few words and a cuddle.

With any luck your entire community will be grinning like fools by the end of the week, and you'll feel good about yourself too. Let this guy be your guide:

Feeling the love?

I can't say that I've ever really LOVED Valentine's Day. I find it too in your face, too soppy and too celebratory of something which not everyone has.

I remember the days in secondary school, when everyone was having their first boyfriends, kisses in the corner and the inevitable discos where try hards would act sexy. I had a fair few Valentines days without a boyfriend then, and I felt like the loneliest person in the world.

I think that this Valentine's Day, we should think about the people who are lonely and do our best to make them happy.

It's all well and good to celebrate the love of two people who have been together for a while - and I am very happy to do that while my relationship is so successful - but to reach out to those people who are only reminded of those they could have had or those they have lost is something altogether more special.

Since going to uni, I've felt sorry for my mum. She isn't seeing anyone, and wasn' t when we left. The both of us leaving so suddenly must have been difficult for her to cope with, and she must have felt so alone. So this year I'll be trying to make her happy.

I think that she will really appreciate the simple gesture of kindness, and I hope that when others do the same, it will not go unnoticed.