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Post V-Day 2010

Paige S. Morrow |
March 4, 2010 | 9:41 p.m. PST

Mystery Columnist

(Creative Commons Licensed)

Valentine's Day was about a month ago, but I have felt like I've been celebrating for months. It seemed like as soon as New Year's Eve was over every store in the country was decked out in red and covered in big pink hearts and, of course, at least one aisle in every CVS and Rite Aid was dedicated to red heart shaped boxes of chocolate and those thin boxes of Valentine cards, which bring us all back to elementary school. What happened to those simpler times when a brown paper bag taped to your tiny school desk filled with Valentine's from Jimmy, John, Karen, and Danielle meant so much?

In January, twenty-and-thirty somethings book restaurants approximately a month in advance, tickets to extravagant mini-vacations are purchased, and surprise engagements are planned--remember no-ring-in-the-drink... You don't want to have to spend one of the most special nights of your life fishing in the restaurant's bathroom... It is no wonder, then, that this so-called "Hallmark Holiday" is often a source of stress for most couples, especially new ones, or especially if you don't have a date. I've heard how some guys have coped with the holiday stress: they break up with their girlfriends pre-Valentine's Day and then apologize and win her back when the red hearts and boxes of chocolate are on sale. I know it sounds crazy, but I definitely think that the twerp my sister is dating pulled this move early on in their relationship. The reason behind this more than shady move is that these guys (I've never heard of a girl pulling this move, but if there's a girl out there that's done this, then shame on you, too!) do not want to put the time, effort, or money into Valentine's Day gifts. Here's my solution: remember to be financially responsible on Valentine's Day, and everyday, and work within your means.

If you can cook, then there's really no reason to spend $100+ on second seating dinner reservations that you might have forgotten to make in January. Additionally, a dozen roses are pretty, but a single rose, maybe not even a red one, can go a long way, not just on Valentine's Day, but any day, maybe even a "just because" day. Just like a wedding should be about the marriage that is being celebrated and not how much the band, caterer, and dress cost, Valentine's Day is a reminder that we need more love in the world. Maybe that's a little cheesy, but with the way we constantly rush through our day-to-day lives, maybe a little reminder is necessary. I suggest being creative! Maybe you can't even really cook, but you can crack open some pre-made cookie dough with the best of them and you even have a heart shaped cookie cutter to boot, grab a tub of icing, throw it in the microwave for about 40 seconds and create beautiful drizzled edible works of art! It's the thought that counts, so even if you overcook the cookies, you're still gold. And if you're single, plan a girls night; ask your best to be your Valentine. Maintaining friendships is important all days of the year. Go all out--flowers, candy, get dressed up and go out. And guys, maybe surprise your favorite co-worker with a little box of chocolates, or hit the bars with your friends. Guys hate to be alone on Valentine's Day, too... even if they don't admit it. Maybe admit it next year.

Your sweetie probably loves the fact that he/ she snagged someone who's so smart, and living within your means is just that, intelligent, so if you can't afford a dozen roses and a limo ride to dinner, then think outside the box--maybe a picnic in a nearby park or just staying in and renting a movie. This goes for regular dates, too! And remember: there's a reason that a homemade card means so much--it really does come from the heart and your valentine will notice, even if it isn't Valentine's Day.



 

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