by Sarah Daly
For those of us who are single, Valentine’s Day can feel like the longest, coldest day of the year. However, here in Happy Valley, we are lucky enough to live in a town filled with thousands of people who do not have plans today.
Instead of spending the day moping around and casting scornful glances at couples carrying flowers, I propose something different: a celebration of “Singles Awareness Day.” Here are a few of my ideas on how to do it:
1. Have dinner with a group of friends.
With plenty of restaurants in State College, you can’t go wrong with heading to dinner with friends. Keep it small or go out in a big group; whether you’re taken or not, it’s fun for everyone. Looking for something different? Reserve a Hibachi table at Fuji & Jade Garden, and be entertained as your chef prepares your meal right in front of you. Or head to Mad Mex for their “Mad Mex Mondays” special; you can’t beat the deals on half-priced food and $7 margaritas.
2. See a movie.
Looking for a laugh? “Just Go With It,” “No Strings Attached,” and “The Dilemma” are certain to have you smiling from the beginning to the end. With Adam Sandler, Ashton Kutcher, and Vince Vaughn to choose from, you might as well make it a movie marathon. (The leading ladies aren’t so bad either.) So, pick up your friends and pretend like every relationship ends with a happy ending. (Check listings here.)
3. Singles bar tour.
Organize a bar tour celebrating the fact that you’re single and aren’t ashamed of it. Dress up in red or create your own T-shirts and make a list of five to 10 bars to hit.
My advice: Finish at karaoke night at the Saloon. Flaunt your pride for “Singles Awareness Day” and jump up on stage with some friends, giving Beyoncé a run for her money with your own “Single Ladies.” As for the guys, karaoke can be just as therapeutic. Jason Derulo’s “I’m Riding Solo” seems like an apt choice.
For inspiration on which bars to hit, check out the StateCollege.com Bar Tour.
4. Secret Valentine
Similar to a holiday gift exchange, a “Secret Valentine” works by drawing names out a hat, and buying the person you picked a little gift. Keep it simple, and make the price range between $5 and $10. (Yet another bonus of being single: you save a lot of money.) Have a dinner party or just get together at an apartment to exchange your gifts.
5. Throw an anti-Valentine’s Day party.
There’s no better way to get rid of those Valentine’s Day blues than by throwing a party with your single friends. Whether you’re male or female, getting together with good friends, good food, and—of course—good stories about horrible dates is a sure way to remind yourself that being single isn’t so bad after all.
Or maybe it is—in which case, let it all out. Take a few pointers from Jennifer Garner in this “Valentine’s Day” clip. (I suggest saving yourself some embarrassment by venting at home. News travels fast in a college town, and the last thing you need is to be the “single-weirdo-gone-mad” everyone is tweeting about.)
Lucky for you, it’s a weeknight. If all else fails, do your homework. Nothing says anti-Valentine’s Day or “Singles Awareness Day” like solving a math equation in the library.
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