One Need Not Be Lonely

or: An Essay On Valentine's Day

Without naming names, I've got a lot of friends who have it in their head that February 14th, (St.) Valentine's Day (it was named after a saint, who remembers?), is a day to feel either sad, lonely and isolated, or forced, obligated and extravagant. It is the humble opinion of this writer that every day is both of those concepts, only in as much as we allow ourselves to be shackled to pre-conceived notions of singularlity or commitment. Both of these things can be a blessing, or contrarily, a curse.

Personally, Valentine's Day is the one day a year I count myself lucky to be single. I don't have to wake up on this particular day thinking, "Okay, will the flowers get there on time or am I gonna have to yell at/shoot/not tip the delivery company?" or "God I hope those reservations I made at [insert prototypically fancy restaurant name here] stick or I'ma hafta beat somebody..." Nor do I have to spend mad stacks of cash just to compete with every other asshole couple who is buying into the idea that if we spread a lot more commerce for this one single day, love is on our side. Not that being in a relationship on V-Day has to be a drag. But let's face it - these acts of kindness, adoration and some might say love that we express should be bestowed upon our companions each and every day we are lucky enough to be alive together. And not in such exagerated terms, either. I'm all for romantic interludes and candlelit dinners. But why go out on the one day everyone else is? Why pay triple price on chocolates and flowers just because everyone else feels it necessary? Nay people, today (or any other day), I say take your lover aside and for just five sweet minutes, kiss them everywhere they like and tell them between each peck how remarkable they've made you feel. Cook a dinner for two in your own domicile (kick out those single roommates if you must, or have the feast in your already-love adorned bedroom), and take a day away from the hoopleheaded masses to remind yourself that today is a day like any other day - we only remember it because of a strange little massacre that gave us a great name for a corporate-cash-influxed day of capitalism...

...and to my single friends, let me just say that you too should feel lucky to not have to buy into any of this. Sure, there will be jerks every step you take today reminding you of how single you are, but let's be honest, that could be just about any day. And being alone can be a great thing - you are responsible for only your own happiness, which is a lot easier than you're probably letting yourself believe. And your money is yours to keep today, or to spend on you and only you, in whatever fashion you deem fulfilling.

Bottom line, today is just a day, like most others; don't let it bring you down. Count your blessings (if you're online right now you probably have some) and give yourself a muhfuckin' hug - you deserve it! And give one to every person you see today that you know you love, in whatever fashion that may apply. Besides being awesome sources of soothing stimuli, hugs are also free and usually only given by those you dig. Now go out there and try not to punch some irritate couple in the face...