Kill Cupid?

We're a week away from V-day...the day when couples think inappropriate PDA's are acceptable, bitter cynics get the rage, and single party people have another excuse to drink on a weekday.

When I was younger, I fell into category number two - bitter cynic rage.  This wasn't due to lack of boyfriends to celebrate with; it was because I really did hate this fake holiday and the commercialism it has become known for.  It's a time of year when flowers, especially roses, cost an arm and a leg and reservations at the best restaurants are at a premium.  The only plus side is that the mother of all PMS necessities, chocolate, flows like water.  Other than that, I figured Cupid could go snap his bow and quit meddling. 

Currently, I'm sitting in group three (single party person) and I hope that I never get brainwashed into group one.  I'm not against the idea of Valentine's Day, I just think that the true meaning of it is something that should be celebrated every day.  Go ahead and try to make the day special for the one you're with, but don't sell your kidney trying to make it happen.  Here are some ideas for the day that I would actually enjoy, and some gifts I'd break my "No Valentine's Gifts" policy for:

1) Dinner at home - nothing says you're worth it than a home cooked meal =)

2) The mixed tape - it's a throw back to the old days when cassette tapes and Walkmans ruled!  Bring it into the 21st century with a mixed CD or iTunes playlist

3) Personalized candy hearts - I hate the taste of candy hearts but even I would swoon at this.  All you need is blank hearts (as big as you can get them), edible ink, and a steady hand.  If you've got big writing, try printing different letters on smaller hearts and use them to spell out a message.  Or you could order them online but that's not as swoon worthy (and is super expensive).  If your mind lives in the gutter, check out this page for some non-PG suggestions.

4) Group Night - laser tag, go-carting, mini golf; whatever your poison, bring out all your friends (single or not) for a fun afternoon or night together.  V-Day isn't just about couples; it's about celebrating all types of relationships!

5) The tourists - If you want to go out and celebrate as a couple, give the night a twist by pretending to be tourists in your own city.  Ask random locals for suggestions, make up characters and stories, fake an accent, whatever floats your boat.  I've done this once before and it was hilarious!

Some of the best Anti-Valentine's
Day shirts out there!

I'll end with this bit of advice - couples, please detach your lips.  I get that you're in love, but Valentine's Day doesn't give you permission to actively throw it in EVERYONE'S faces.  I'm cool with your need for PDA's as long as you're cool with trying to keep it on the DL.  Cynics, come out of hiding.  Get off the bitter bus and face the day like you would any other (unless you're bitter every day).  And to the rest of you, single, ready to mingle people out there, play it safe - you never know who you'll meet and what kind of crazy will appear the next day because you got together on the 14th.  Remember, Valentine's day doesn't mean you'll end up broke or alone if you face it the right way!