Singles: Here's how to handle "Date Your Mate" month.

I have come to find out that May is "Date Your Mate" month. Now, as a single person, I tend to take offense to these theme months, or theme days (we have Valentine's Day, why do we also need Sweetest Day?) because there are NO theme days or months for singles. What's up with that?

So, for the month of May, I propose that singles make it "Date Yourself" month. This does not preclude you from dating other people - you are single after all - but maybe just make it a special time to really take care of yourself. Here are a few things you can do to "date yourself" this month.

• Buy yourself a sex toy. Yes, you heard me. Whether it's a flesh light for men, or a new vibrator for the women, you can add some spice to the bedroom without a mate. Just because you're the only there does not mean that your physical needs should be neglected!

• Bring home some flowers. I like going to Trader Joe's or The Farmer's Market to pick up a bouquet of wild flowers. Flowers add a gorgeous fragrance to my home and they also provide entertainment to my cats -who somehow always end up either chewing on the flowers, batting them with their paws, or knocking over the vase. Either way, it's fun for everyone.

• Take yourself out for a drink or dinner. When's the last time you went out for a nice lobster or a great glass of wine all by your lonesome? Never? Why not? I was bored at my house last week and ended up taking myself out to O'Hara's in Newton. I took a notebook for company and started writing down some notes for a new novel. Do you know what happened? A guy came over and started talking to me about my writing. Apparently, when you're alone (I always sit at the bar when I'm alone), people seem to be less intimidated to strike up a conversation. You may start the meal off alone and end up having a great time with new friends. Try it!

• Pamper yourself. Okay, I have to admit that I tend to get my nails done more often when there's a guy in my life - it's just the way I am. But if I think about it, I love the feeling I get after I've had a nice pedicure and my toes are all gleaming, so I should really do it more often. But whether it's a pedicure, a facial or a massage, schedule something this month just for you!

What kinds of things are you going to do during "Date Yourself" month? Share your ideas with us!