Valentine’s Day – the time we’re all supposed to show that special someone how much we love them… or so says Hallmark. Just because tradition tells you when to show these signs of affection though doesn’t mean they can tell you how to do it. That is why today I’m dedicating this post to sharing some non-traditional ways to spend your day. These can be for singles or couples, and shared with friends or lovers. The point is to have fun without doing the whole “dinner and a movie” thing that is your typical romantic evening. So, in no particular order, let’s get started…
- Girls/guys night – I polled some folks and a popular thing seems to be getting together with a group of friends. One lady said she gets together with her sisterwives and puts on her fancy dress for a night with the ladies. Another fella said he was planning on spending the night playing D&D (that’s Dungeons & Dragons for you non-nerdy types) with his buddies. I like this idea, and it’s kinda similar to what I used to do in college, which brings me to my next point…
- Stay in and watch a movie – This used to be my go-to for today. Usually I go for Boondock Saints or something equally violent. My boyfriend used to do similar, but with the addition of he’d use the day to clean his guns. (Note: we live on Long Island where this is perfectly legal and normal to own and maintain firearms). Obviously the second part is optional, but having a movie night, either by yourself or with your friends, is a great way to spend any evening, so why should tonight be any different?
- Spend a night on the town – There are plenty of things to do besides go out to a fancy restaurant you can’t even really afford. Try going to your local bar, where you might see some familiar faces. My favorite watering hole is Project Parlor in Brooklyn. Tonight they’re having an event called “Everybody Gets Lei’d“. There will be a night full of DJs, good music, and of course lots of leis. This is where I’d be tonight if I didn’t have work. Which, I was going to suggest everyone come to the awesome burlesque show I’ll be at tonight after my shift, but I just got word about an hour ago that it is sold out. While I’m pleasantly surprised, I’m going to have to suggest you save the burlesque for tomorrow when D20 gives you their Villain-tines Day celebration. If you want a fancy dinner at fast food prices, try McDonald’s, which is offering candlelit service in certain locations. Perfect for the couple who likes eating off a white tablecloth, but can barely afford said cloth, forget the food it is served on.
I’m sure there are plenty of other fun things you could be doing this day without giving in to the hype and madness that tends to go along with it. Personally I’m going to work tonight, but spending tomorrow watching Warm Bodies, the romantic zombie movie, while devouring some discount chocolate I will likely pick up at 2am tonight when I finally stumble home from my job. What is everyone else doing? Send me your ideas and maybe they’ll be included in next year’s V-Day special here. Whatever you do today, don’t let the pressure (or annoyingly cute couples) get to you. Have fun and enjoy, today and every day.