Valentine’s Day. What To Do?

By Erica and Karen

Friday is that delightful day when we celebrate rosy red romance. Everyone loves it. Except—you. You have no honey, or your honey is oblivious, or you just hate the whole thing.

You’re not alone.

First—there is, of course, Quirkyalone Day—a day for you.

International Quirkyalone Day is a holiday for single people on the same date. The holiday isn’t an anti-Valentine’s Day event, but rather a moment to celebrate self-love and platonic relationships. International Quirkyalone Day has been celebrated globally since 2003.

But Valentine’s Day is quite historic, so you may want to celebrate it anyway.

The origins of Valentine’s Day are murky. But it is thought to have been made a holiday in the fifth century when Pope Gelasius outlawed the celebration of Lupercalia. It wasn’t until much later that it became associated with romance. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that February 14 was the start of birds’ mating season. Chaucer cemented the connection between Valentine’s Day, birds and romance with his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” writing, “For this was on Seynt Valentynes day, / Whan every foul cometh ther to chese his make.” The rest, as they say, is history!

Here are some great ideas, no matter where you stand on the merits of the day:

• We love this list. Our favorite—make a fancy dinner with your friends. The best thing about any holiday, whether we like the reason for the holiday or not, is food. Though we are also intrigued by the smash room idea. That could be really fun!

• Here’s another list. You could do these things with or without a honey. Ordering a heart shaped pizza? Fabulous. Even more fabulous? Skydiving! One of us is always up for a jigsaw puzzle—you could find a romantic themed one. Or not.

• This is a list for seniors—unfortunate title, and completely unclear what is senior about any of it. Hot air ballooning is for everyone. Even younger people.

• And yet another list. Some of these ideas could be dangerous with an actual partner. Do you seriously want take a personality test with your honey? But it might be fun with a friend. As would horseback riding. And playing hookey. Baking something sweet works no matter your relationship status.

If you do have a honey inclined to being romantic, do something nice for your sweetie. A homemade candlelit dinner with a red and pink theme. An incredibly flashy trinket. Airplane tickets to Bali. A gorgeous red dress for you so you look great for your honey. So many options!

Whatever you do, enjoy a day that has become very commercial but still celebrates love. What the world needs now.

And let us all know if you start a new tradition.