Feb. 14 comes but once a year, which makes most guys (single or attached) get sweaty and nervous and awkward, while their girlfriends (or girl friends) try to downplay the importance of chocolate and flowers and romance.
This week has, so far, included conversations
like this:
Dad: I was going to send you flowers at work, but Mom stopped me and said I probably would embarrass you.
Me: Oh. Ah… yes. But thanks for the offer?
And, of course:
Co-worker who shall not be named: I saw something on “How to Survive Valentine’s Day If You’re Single,” and I was going to forward it to you. But I didn’t.
Me: Thanks?
I think Feb. 14 should pass like any other day. If you’re in a relationship and you get flowers, fabulous. I am all for loving couples loving each other. If you’re spending V-Day with your parents, high-fives to you, too. If you’re unattached, you likely know how to get through a Tuesday without a significant other (hint: It’s like most other Tuesdays). I don’t think we need a survival guide like we might for a zombie apocalypse. On the other hand, we’re not all bitter nutcases. So no, NPR, I don’t need a suggestion for “3 Biting Books for Those Bitter on Valentine’s Day.”
I appreciated flowers from my boyfriend in college. I appreciated flowers from my dad, too (yep, they came every year when I was an undergrad). I appreciated the chocolate-covered fruit a coworker shared Monday, leftover V-Day yummies from her boyfriend. I appreciate the opportunity to embarrass my 9-year-old brother and ask him if he has a girlfriend yet.
But I’d also appreciate if a single 20-something could have a great Valentine’s Day on his or her own (which might or might not include an extra glass of wine) — and then we could all move on. Any other single ladies (or men) out there agree?
Pour that extra glass of wine and watch “Cougar Town” tonight!