Valentine's Day sucks.
It doesn't matter if you're single, in a relationship or "it's complicated." The day is just a reminder of all things bad.
If you're single, you're reminded how alone you are. If you're a girl and taken, you realize your boyfriend can actually be "Mr. Suave" and you wish he would do it the other 364 days a year. If you're a guy and taken, you drain your bank account on a meal and roses that won't be around in two weeks. If "it's complicated," well you really don't need a reminder that Valentine's Day sucks.
It's because Valentine's Day is a made-up commercialized holiday where you're forced to buy flowers, eat overpriced food and feel bloated as you sit through a crappy movie. Why do we feel the need to subject ourselves to this every year? It's worse than having to sit next to your creepy Uncle Bob at Christmas.
It doesn't have to be like that. In fact, Valentine's Day can be an amazingly special day, regardless of your relationship status, and I, the self-proclaimed love doctor, am here to help. The following can be done as a couple or as a group with your closest single friends.
As one of my friends likes to remind me: Flowers, cards and chocolates are unoriginal. Write a poem, or a letter, take the time to make a photo album. Love comes in a touch, a look, a sigh ... not so much in materialistic ways.
Also, don't plan too hard. The most complicated plans are the most likely to end in disaster. Being someone other than yourself can lead to disaster.
Have a picnic in the living room using things found in the cupboard or bought off a meal card. To make it more fun, you could cook the meal together, then wash and dry the dishes as a couple afterward.
Teach your significant other or friends how to play a video game they've made fun of you for playing. Not only will it be time well spent, but they'll appreciate the time you took to teach them. You'll never have to deal with them making fun of you again.
Kill two birds with one stone and teach them a game involving a sport they don't know.
If it's a group of guys, spend the night talking about your predictions about the upcoming baseball season. If it's a group of girls, give each other manicures, pedicures or French braids.
Do an old-fashioned sleepover. For you girlfriends out there, teach your boyfriend the proper ways to do that manicure, pedicure or French braid.
Muncie is besieged by almost a foot of snow. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight or make a tunnel that runs from residence hall to residence hall. Resist making snow penises please — we do have tour groups coming through campus.
Do something for your significant other or a friend that you know they don't like to do themselves. If you're planning to do something for me, please note that I hate folding laundry.
Play hide and seek in Walmart until you get kicked out. While you're at it, try to take a picture worthy to make it on peopleofwalmart.com. If you get kicked out before getting that perfect shot, make sure to take a picture of the person who kicks you out. The photo of their angry face will be a great reminder of time well spent.
Do community service together. Muncie's citizens could use some help and we're able-bodied young adults who have the energy to help. Plus it'll make a good impression if you're in one of those "it's complicated" situations.
For those true romantics out there, lead your significant other on an extensive scavenger hunt across Muncie, ending with you recreating a romantic scene of your significant other's favorite movie or TV show.
If you're single, go around and deliver hugs to all your single friends. Or create a slideshow of cute kitten pictures, burn it on a CD and hand them out to your single friends. You can't help but smile at cute kitten pictures.
If you're absolutely bitter about the whole day, have a "Make War, Not Love" themed party and drink lots of bomb drinks and watch bloody action movies.
Whatever you end up doing this Valentine's Day, make sure to be yourself, surround yourself with those you love and do something original, and it can be a very memorable experience.
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