Why I love Valentine’s Day

Some singles recoil in horror at the thought of that most mystifying and dispiriting of days, February the 14th. But rather than run and cower under a canopy of Calla lilies, I prefer to embrace Valentines Day and try to see the lighter side. After all, being single here is always better than being single in South Korea, where those who received nothing on Valentines Day allegedly must go to a Chinese restaurant and eat black noodles to “mourn” their single life. That sounds pretty bleak.

I personally think Valentines Day is a beautiful thing. I’m one of those rare souls who believes that being surrounded by joyous couples in the midst of merry-making can be inspiring. Even though I’m not in a relationship, the ambience of this love-fueled holiday is infectious and brings me joy. With spring in the air and birds singing in the trees, we can all see the world through rose tinted glasses.

I’ll admit, there are more interesting places to be on Valentines Day than St. A’s. On Dwynwen’s Day (Welsh Valentine’s Day), men present their lady friends with hand carved wooden “lovespoons.” In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called “Ystävänpäivä” (translating to ‘friends day’) and is celebrated by an exchange of cards and gifts between friends. In China, singles visit the Temple of the Matchmaker and pray to Vega the Weaving Maid star. They also carve melons.

Additionally, there are always options for those who have been jilted in love. If you’ve been dumped in time for V-Day, you can always get revenge with the ‘Voodoo your ex’ service, offered by The Last Tuesday Service in East London, which, just like it sounds, offers custom made voodoo dolls of your ex.

There are some great things about Valentines Day. The reduced couples deals at your favorite restaurants are a great opp for you to catch up with your girlfriends. The omnipresent chocolate is so universally consumed that you don’t have to feel like a bovine when you eat a box of Godiva in one sitting. And everyone remembers that seminal episode of How I Met Your Mother when Marshall and Brad do brunch and Mama Mia together (though ultimately the double room at the Cape Cod wedding proves to be too much for Marsh). This may be a bit OTT, but still.

And for anyone who’s feeling a little down come the 14th, I recommend checking out amusing Tumblr’s that take dating site OK Cupid messages out of context to some hilarious results, such as It’s Not Ok Cupid, or OKCupid, Kill Me.

Whether you spend it ordering a voodoo-doll, receiving a lovespoon, or going on a date (your best friend counts as much as your boyfriend!), try to stay positive, because Valentine’s Day is great, even if you’re single.