V-Day

Around this time of year fear begins to creep into the heart of single people everywhere. They see the red hearts, the boxes of chocolate, and those adorable cards and they start to think, "Not again, is the horror really happening again so soon?!". Yup, Valentine's Day is around the corner and while you can run, you can't hide from all the emotions it brings to surface.

I, Summer, have had the misfortune (or luck, depending on how you look at it) to never be in a relationship when the calendar lands on February 14th. I've been in relationships shortly before or after but never dating someone on that day so I've been single for all 27 V-days that I've encountered so I feel that I'm quite an expert on how to handle this tumultuous day.

1. Don't sit home alone. You may think this is good as to avoid all the lovey dovey couples out and about but you'll only end up eating all the ice cream and chocolate ever made and crying while you watch The Notebook. This isn't a good way to face the day - you need to laugh in its' face, not bawl your eyes out.

2. Make a date with your single friends. They are going to be feeling the same sense of dread about the day and they'll be so happy to have plans that don't involve ice cream & tears (see no.1).

3. Go out. Face the evil forces head on! Make dinner plans out at a good restaurant - I recommend sushi because it doesn't seem like the most romantic meal so you'll be faced with less swooning couples. Go to a movie with the girls; preferably a comedy. I actually have the balls to see romantic comedies every V-day. I feel I am in a way laughing at the glamorization of love as well at whatever on screen antics take place. Plus, rom-coms always have cute leading men and good eye candy always buoys the spirits.

4. Talk about how you feel. I am not suggesting wallowing in your misery but embrace all the good points of being single and share these advantages with your friends. Make fun of stupid couples you know who are only together because they are desperately afraid of being alone and are so wrong for each other. Make fun of the couples that are good together but are SO BORING to be around since they became a 'we'. Even boldly talk about what you are looking for in a mate and compare notes with your friends about previous Mr. Not-Rights.

5. Sleep soundly because a) there isn't a guy snoring loudly next to you b) you drank a lot of wine with your California rolls c) you remember how annoying it was to have to check-in with a guy whenever you wanted to do something and d) Mr. Right's out there and fretting about not having him on this particular V-day is only going to give you wrinkles.

Happy V-Day to All My Fabulous Singles!