Obnoxious cupids. Smug couples. Distastefully large bouquets. Oh yes, it’s that time of year again: Valentine’s Day.
Single or attached, Valentine’s Day tends to inspire more dread than happiness. If you have a significant other, there’s the pressure associated with purchasing the perfect gift, making plans, and battling the crowds (and usually increased entrée prices) at local restaurants.
If you are single, there is the annoyance of having to smile and nod as if you are genuinely interested as your coupled friends talk about their plans for the big evening. All the while, you are bombarded with images of roses, candy and cupids, almost to the point of nausea.
Nevertheless, Valentine’s Day need not be so stressful. Although some convincingly argue the holiday was created by Hallmark, one must try to look past all the gaudy red cards and remember the true message of the day: the sharing of love.
That love does not have to be in the romantic connotation. Take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to express your love for anyone or anything, including your best friends, your family or even yourself.
With that in mind, below are a few suggestions on ways to survive and maybe even enjoy Valentine’s Day, no matter the status of your love life.
Love your friends
Nothing guarantees a bonding experience like a guilt-free food fest. Hop the Stag Shuttle to Carvel and get a large birthday cake. Ask the person behind the counter to write a message that is guaranteed to make your friends laugh (“Boys Suck” is always a popular one among the ladies). Serve the cake after dinner and pig out!
For those over 21, head out to a bar during happy hour (or any time during the day) and bond with friends over martinis, beers, margaritas or even soda. Take turns buying rounds to make it seem like you are each getting “free” drinks. Make a game out of people watching, and feel free to mock any over-the-top PDA-obsessed couples, because honestly, no one needs to express that much affection in public.
Have your own cocktail party where everyone either dresses in their finest cocktail attire or for a more humorous vibe, in costume. Under 21? Have a “Mocktail” party where you and your friends enjoy non-alcoholic beverages.
Channel your middle school days and have an old-fashioned pajama party. Have a movie or TV marathon (“Sex and The City” is a good choice) and make some popcorn. When your friends aren’t looking, start a pillow fight!
Shopping is another excellent way to celebrate your fabulous friends. Get a group together and before you head out, create a “Secret Santa” type game where each person has to secretly buy a gift for another. Set a spending limit: $5 seems to work for the average college student on a budget. Share your gifts later that evening, perhaps over a Carvel cake with a humorous message written on it?
Tap into your inner six-year-old and head over to an A.C. Moore or even CVS. Purchase some construction paper, crayons, markers, glitter (and all that stuff that used to delight you as a child) and make homemade valentines. Either create them exclusively for your friends or make them with your friends. If you’re feeling brave, try finger painting with friends and share your masterpieces with each other.
Save your money and instead of investing in Abercrombie or American Eagle, gather your friends together and make your own “statement” T-shirts, either for Valentine’s Day or for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day. The gaudier, the better: don’t be afraid to use those ridiculous rhinestones.
Love your family
It’s time to show the love to mom, grandpa or even Aunt Edna. Call or send a card to a relative whom you don’t speak to regularly. Hearing from you will make Uncle Joe smile and maybe even make his day.
Make homemade valentines and send them to your family. Even if your artistic abilities are barely superior to your five-year-old cousin’s, nothing will delight your grandmother more than the effort evidenced in your unique creation.
If you are home for the day, try cooking your family dinner. Not exactly Emeril? Make time to go out to dinner with your parents. Sometimes just taking time out of your busy schedule and spending it with them is meaningful enough.
Love yourself
Treat yourself to some serious downtime. Choose a random day, not necessarily Valentine’s Day, and write in your planner “do nothing.” Make sure you stick to it and don’t pencil in any other obligations. When that day finally arrives, sleep in and spend the day doing what relaxes you most, even if that means spending upwards of $10 on trashy tabloids. Most important, do not feel guilty for allowing yourself to stay in your pajamas all day.
Buy a gift for the most special person in your life: you. Shop as if you are dating yourself, and you have to buy a serious Valentine’s Day gift. Get the item gift wrapped, and then open it on Valentine’s Day. No one knows how to choose the perfect gift like you.
Pamper yourself with a manicure, pedicure, massage or all three. It will make you both feel and look better. May I suggest ruby red for your toes? It’s festive!
Love your partner
There is always a lot of pressure to go out to a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Avoid the crowd and stress by cooking your partner his or her favorite dinner. It’s a personalized meal that can truly be savored, and the best part is that if you are really low on cash, it can serve as a gift.
Another way to beat the crowd is to have an indoor picnic. Order your favorite takeout: Chinese, pizza or even sushi, and set it up in the living room or your dorm room on a picnic blanket. Make sure you order an appetizer so the picnic feels like a fancy feast, even if the main course is a delightfully greasy slice of pepperoni pie.
Spend the day outdoors: head down to the beach and go for a walk, go to a park and take a hike or stroll around downtown. Fresh air during the winter is refreshing, and there are always various ways to warm up afterwards (Get your mind out of the gutter: I am thinking of hot chocolate!).
Act like little kids again and take a trip to the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk or the Mystic Aquarium. It is easy to forget how entertaining it is to marvel at wildlife, and the IMAX theatre is an interesting alternative to the stale “dinner and a movie” routine.
Instead of the same boring old restaurant, try going out to dinner at a place you have never tried. Be adventurous: travel to a town both of you have never visited or try a variety of ethnic food. Thai restaurants are good for starters since the menus usually contain vegetarian, seafood and meat options, spicy or mild.
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