another valentine’s day, part 2: why so cynical?

I can’t help but think there are those out there that despise the Valentine’s Day because they are single, for whatever reason. And of course, some don’t care regardless of their status. Others try not to, but with commercials, TV specials, print ads and pink heart shaped sprinkles on your donuts, it’s hard to ignore it and you begin to get disgusted with the idea. Not to mention if you have friends that are coupled up and you know you have very few, if any, of them left to hang out with that day or night because you know what they’ll be doing later. And that’s what it also comes down to for some singletons… no Valentine’s Night. Even if sex isn’t involved, they just want to feel loved and appreciated a little bit.

Click the picture for more eCards like this.

Enter, the Anti-Valentine’s Day. This is also known as Singles Awareness (or Appreciation (maybe for those who want to embrace being single)) Day, aka SAD. It’s not really awareness for the general public, nor does it really seem like something beneficial. That stigma of being single during this holiday is somewhat magnified and in one’s mind might make them feel singled out even more. This day is sometimes celebrated the day before, on or after Valentine’s Day… sometimes all three. Rather than sulk alone in your bedroom, the idea is to go hang out with other singles and either collectively agree how evil the holiday is, or just enjoy each other’s company.

Earlier I said that holiday might not seem beneficial, but perhaps by being out with other singles, you may run into another single and soon after become a couple. So in retrospect, Singles Awareness Day will make other singles aware of your singleness, or perhaps that you want to end your singleness. There’s some food for thought to optimistic hopefuls.

Jajangmyeon

Speaking of food, in South Korea, single people who do not get gifts on Valentine’s Day (or White Day, a month later, March 14^th) get to eat black noodles, called jajangmyeon, with other singles to celebrate their singleness. It’s called Black Day and takes place April 14^th. To be honest, this sounds rather depressing and I’d rather stick with Singles Awareness Day.

And that’s also key for the singletons out there: don’t get caught up in the blues. And, although this is posted way before the fact, if you find yourself not having plans or know that you won’t have anyone to hang out with, make some new friends. Do something to ensure you won’t be alone and miserable. Plan to have fun. Sure it might not be the fun you want, but you also won’t be sitting alone, in the dark, in the corner, writing sad poetry and listening to sad people sing about sad things. Life is too short for that and you never know what can happen next if you don’t put yourself out there. Trust me, I’m practicing what I preach. Things won’t always remain the same.

But, once the day is over, everyone is pretty much on equal ground again for the next 364 days. The pink décor is put away. Special chocolates disappear within the week. And the stores now have a green theme for the next big holiday.

Again, I’m doing the best I can on a personal level to not be as bitter and cynical as I feel I should be. But I am a romantic and it’s difficult to say something like “I hate Valentine’s Day” when it practically goes against what a romantic truly feels. And I’m pretty sure I’m likely to spoil some lucky lady with gifts, poetry and genuine romance when I have the opportunity. What can I say, I have gift anxiety. The point is, it wouldn’t be a once a year kind of a thing, but perhaps a little extra on the special days. And you best believe that I will be watching romantic classics such as Casablanca to Love, Actually to The Notebook despite the holiday or my relationship status because that’s the kind of person I am. Yet those movies tend to fit the atmosphere that much better, I’m just saying.

So however you spend this February 14^th, may you be safe and have fun. I’m going to try to get a high bowling average with some new friends.