Valentine's Day?

[Karried]

I know this might be a hard time of the year for singles and I think I read that this is a hard day for some singles - maybe not.. but I wanted to say for all of you imagining all of the 'marrieds' having the most romantic evening of the year - some aren't going all out ... some are just doing what they do every other day of the year.. it's overrated in my opinion.

So married or not, don't feel bad if you don't have an expensive romantic candlelight dinner planned .. I"m sure some do but for me I think that the commercialism of it is just designed to encourage more money being spent and more money lining the pockets of business owners.

I think a heartfelt card and maybe flowers/candy is nice but I can't believe all of the diamond commercials floating around - those commercials are made to make people feel badly about Not getting a diamond - oh please. Forget the diamond guys, save up for a downpayment on a house or something useful ...

Anyway, count your blessings everyone :spin:

[bandnerd]

The future mr. bandnerd and I have never celebrated Valentine's day. His feelings are that every day should be Valentine's day--why should the diamond companies and Hallmark tell us when to show love for someone? I have to agree...plus I'm not really all that girly and all the pink hearts and crap really grates my nerves :P I'd rather be surprised on any regular hum-drum day with romance than to have to plan it.

[Jay]

Valentines Day will be like today for me. This Tuesday will be just another regular day going about my regular routine.

Yes, I am single this Valentines Day. Then again, I have been single for almost every Valentines Day. The three Valentines Days I was with someone I was deployed overseas. In a roundabout way, I have never spent Valentines Day with anyone in which I was romantically involved.

Valentines is just another day for me. It does not bother me that I am single for another Valentines Day. At this point in my life, I do not care if I do meet anyone. My last few attempts at hooking up have been disasters. If I meet someone, so be it, if I stay single until my dying day that is fine too. Regardless of what happens I know I plan to enjoy every minute of my life.

Just because I am single does not mean I have to live a depressing life.

Contrary to popular belief, single people can be successful and accomplish many things on their own. You do not have to be in a relationship to be happy. I do not care if Hallmark, Zales and DeBeers think my life is empty because, I have do not have someone to spend money on for Valentines Day. If you have to spend a great deal of money to show your love to someone its time to break-up and move on. You should be able to make Valentine’s Day exciting without spending a fortune.

[sweetdaisy]

I think a heartfelt card and maybe flowers/candy is nice but I can't believe all of the diamond commercials floating around - those commercials are made to make people feel badly about Not getting a diamond - oh please. Forget the diamond guys, save up for a downpayment on a house or something useful ...

Anyway, count your blessings everyone :spin:

I agree with everything everyone's said on this thread, however I can't help but think, "Yeah, but it sure would be nice to get those gorgeous diamond earrings I was eyeing at the store." Hee hee!

Of course, my yearning for the diamonds is mostly b/c my beautiful diamond earrings were stolen a couple years ago when my apartment was burglarized.

[Karried]

ahhh Sweetdaisy - that is horrible! You will get new diamond earrings one day, I'm sure of it..

Don't get me wrong, I like diamonds too but I don't like the jewelry companies pushing Valentine's Day diamonds as the only way to show your love.


And, Jay, I"m not saying you don't have a full and happy life.

I'm responding to those that mentioned that Valentine's day was a hard day to get through being single..

We all have hard days to get through - but this was my way of saying hang in there if you are feeling sad about it...call it an OKC ((( hug ))) from me if you will..

[Oki_Man5]

She (Karried) was mean to me too, Jay; she would not let me borrow her book. I guess she thinks I am made of money suggesting I buy a book that costs near $8.00.

[Keith]

What's really interesting is that, no matter how many jewlery commercials I see, it still doesn't change the fact that I can't afford to buy any. I have a co-worker that is selling valentine baskets, so I already know what I am getting my sweetie this year.

For some reason, Oki_Man5, that weedeater/edger combo that I got her last valentines day didn't go over very well.(J/K)

I do feel for the single guys that feel pressured to go out and buy the most expensive jewelry they can find for their girl. It just ain't right to have to feel that way.

When I was in my teens, I always tried to make it a point to not have a girlfriend around valentines day, because I was always pressured to get just the right gift. When you are a teenager, on minimum wage, there is only so much that you can buy.

[dirtrider73068]

I don't plan on buying anything for v-day just because its v-day we have to buy something. What about just showing that you still care about that person in your life, give them that feeling that they are still being loved and cared about without haveing to buy something. Yea if you can tell I don't like v-day never had, just like xmas anymore its too dang commercialized. What ever happend to just being with someone and show them you care, love them and still will care and love them no matter what. Why should I have top run out and buy roses or candy or jewelry, that can be done at any given time as a surprise. Its like I already know something is bought for me so where is the surprise in it. Well I will get off my soapbox and go back to my hole.

[Oki_Man5]

The reason she did not like the weedeater/edger combo was because you got her gas, and she wanted electric or vice versa.

[sweetdaisy]

Ha ha! A weedeater! Love it!

I must say, that's MUCH better than the electric can opener my EX-husband got for me one Valentine's day.

[Midtowner]

sweetdaisy, your ex sounds like a helluva guy.

I actually used to have a streak of 'practical gifts' going.

A cordless phone, a blender, a Brita pitcher...

So much better than flowers that die and jewelry that goes out of style or doesn't match anything.

Now a weedeater.. I'm going to file that one away for later!

[bandnerd]

[Oki_Man5]

He was trying to tell you something when he gave you the can opener; pay attention, woman! LOL

[Keith]

He was trying to tell you something when he gave you the can opener; pay attention, woman! LOL

Yeah, give her a gift that can be used year round.

Just think, sweetdaisy, at least it was an electric can opener instead of a manual one.LOL

[Jay]

And, Jay, I"m not saying you don't have a full and happy life.

I'm responding to those that mentioned that Valentine's day was a hard day to get through being single..

We all have hard days to get through - but this was my way of saying hang in there if you are feeling sad about it...call it an OKC ((( hug ))) from me if you will..

First of all I commend your efforts you meant well but, I disagree. The last thing any who is single needs is pity.

I always have to chuckle and shake my head when I hear canned kudos from someone who is married or is in a successful relationship. Its always, "Hang in there you will find someone". "Count your blessings". "Have positive attitude and go get em tiger".

Those who are in successful relationships always say dating is as easy as 1,2,3. That is far from the truth. Its tough to find someone when so many people are out there looking for perfection or have really no idea what they want. In my opinion almost all persons in relationships have no clue about how to survive the singles game.

The reality of dating is that it is a game of chance. Its a lot like playing the Powerball. (Especially after age 30) You have to keep trying if you want to win. The more you play the better the odds.

In order to appreciate the game you have to have a 10-foot tall and bulletproof attitude. You have to get back up and shake it off every time you are rejected or get hurt by a breakup. Feeling sorry for yourself on Valentines Day is going to do nothing for you.

The best thing any one who is single can do is to believe in themselves. They have to believe that regardless if they find love or not life goes on. They can still live a happy life without being in love.

I have been single for seven years and I know these things. Life goes on regardless if your in a relationship or not. You do not need friends, family or significant others to survive in life. You just need a strong relationship with god and the belief that you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to.

[Oki_Man5]

I am curious if all the singles have the mindset that all the marrieds and/or those in a committed relationship sleep in a bed of roses every danged night.

[Karried]

Many married people dated many others before settling down.. I have done the single scene - I was young and loved every minute of it at the time... now I imagine being over 40 and single would be much harder. We all have challenges in our lives, it's how you handle it that counts.

Jay, I don't pity you. And there are other single people on this board that I talk to often.

But next time I'll add a disclaimer to my posts ...

"Everyone except Jay"

How's this??

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone ( except Jay )

[sweetdaisy]

Nope! I don't think it's a bed of roses. Every relationship is tough and you have to work at it.

My hope is that marrieds realize how good they do have it, though. They've found the person they want to be with. However, they also have to really "dig in" and work every single day to make the relationship worthwhile.

[Jay]

Many married people dated many others before settling down.. I have done the single scene - I was young and loved every minute of it at the time... now I imagine being over 40 and single would be much harder. We all have challenges in our lives, it's how you handle it that counts.

Jay, I don't pity you. And there are other single people on this board that I talk to often.

But next time I'll add a disclaimer to my posts ...

"Everyone except Jay"

How's this??

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone ( except Jay )

If that is the way you feel than I can live with that exclude me or include me. Its not like my life will be different one way or another.

I am just tired of all those that are married or in relationships giving me tired advice. The chances that I will find someone are rare. I have a stronger chance of winning the llottery than I do at finding someone. I can live with that as long as I keep trying and that is all that matters.

I realize that some people are destined to be single. You never truly find that out unless you try and know that for a fact.

On second thought let me apologize for attacking you. I guess in a way I am a little blue over being single on Valentines Day. In the future I will keep my thoughts to myself so I do not bring the board down.

My apologies to you Karried and all the other board members I have annoyed.

[Faith]

A relationship that is a bed of roses every single night doesn't exist, IMO.

I know people in some bad relationships or marriages that really need help. I'm not sure what I would consider worse.... Being lonely on V-Day or being in a marriage or serious relationship and feeling lonely on V-Day.

My husband and I have been married 7 years. We have spent every Valentines Day together. The first one I got red roses which was nice and romantic, the 2nd through 6th Valentines Day I got nothing. I did get him cards and even flowers on the 5th & 6th. Finally last night, I got a Valentines Day present for the first time in 7 years. I am still excited. It was a gift from Dillards with this perfume that I really wanted. It really did surprise me.

[Curt]

Ha ha! A weedeater! Love it!

I must say, that's MUCH better than the electric can opener my EX-husband got for me one Valentine's day.

Did it also include a built in knife sharpener on it? cuz you could have used that for the knife you would have sharpend for when he was sleeping

[Faith]

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the happily (and unhappily) coupled of the world; it’s for us singles as well. So don’t sell yourself short by thinking you need a boyfriend or girlfriend to take advantage of February 14th. This is your day, too! Valentine’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our independence from bad co-dependent relationships with people we never really liked that much anyway—and that’s worth sending greeting cards about! Here are five ways to make the most of this “romantic” holiday even if you’re flying completely solo.


Invest in a you-tual fund
If you’re feeling sad about not having love on Valentine’s Day, just think of all the money you would spend if you did: Guys, paying for dinner. Ladies, buying a new outfit and getting your hair done. Now you can use that money to pamper yourself. Do something that’s just for you, like an evening at the spa. Note: Most spas are empty on Valentine’s Night. You can walk right in without an appointment, and you’ll pretty much have the place to yourself.

Treat it like Thanksgiving
Make a list of all the things you personally have to celebrate about being single this year. For instance, I can celebrate not having to feign excitement over red roses and chocolate truffles from my ex when, if he had ever paid any attention, he’d have known I like Gerbera daisies and caramel corn. I can take pleasure in the fact that there’s not a guy sitting on my sofa playing video games all day long while I’m at work, and nobody’s leaving dirty drawers on my floor as if some magic fairy is going to pick them up and wash them some day. Best of all, I get the bathroom all to myself whenever I want. Thank you, Cupid!

Let yourself go (just a little bit)
We all know the image of the stereotypical single on Valentine’s Day moping around in sweats. Stop thinking of that as depressing and instead, consider it a welcome invitation to do exactly that for 24 hours. You don’t have to brush your hair or your teeth, and the day is yours to wallow in self-pity if you please. Just don’t forget to thank dear, sweet St. Valentine that you have the freedom to do so!

Clean your House of Love
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to do some ghost-busting: Get rid of all those old love letters and stuffed animals from your exes that linger like the spirits of Valentine’s Days past. Consider this a way of getting yourself ready for a real love. Pick up a bottle of wine, go over to your best single friend’s house, and torch those love letters in the fireplace. On February 15th, drop all those stuffed animals off at a children’s charity on your way to a drug store to pick up some of that leftover half-price Valentine’s Day chocolate. It’s good for your soul and your tummy.

Throw a party
One of my favorite things about being single on Valentine’s Day is the Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. Have you heard of this phenom? Some lucky single person — usually whoever in your group has most recently been through a breakup — gets to throw this party. He or she invites all his or her single friends, who bring more single friends, and so on. A room full of singles getting together on the Day of Love... add some cocktails, snacks and strapless dresses to the mix, and you get a really fun party with no depressing end-of-the-night moment when you see everyone else leaving with a soul mate. After all, we’re single, not dead. Let’s exercise our right to have fun solo.

So this year, fellow singles, put Cupid on hiatus and embrace your freedom. Treat yourself with the love you usually give to someone else by celebrating Valentine’s Day any way you like—or not!

Freelance writer and full-time single C.J. Arabia has written for numerous websites and TV shows on FOX, Showtime, Comedy Central and ABC. See what she's up to on her blog at www.cjarabia.com.

[Curt]

I know this might be a hard time of the year for singles and I think I read that this is a hard day for some singles - maybe not.. but I wanted to say for all of you imagining all of the 'marrieds' having the most romantic evening of the year - some aren't going all out ... some are just doing what they do every other day of the year.. it's overrated in my opinion.

So married or not, don't feel bad if you don't have an expensive romantic candlelight dinner planned .. I"m sure some do but for me I think that the commercialism of it is just designed to encourage more money being spent and more money lining the pockets of business owners.

I think a heartfelt card and maybe flowers/candy is nice but I can't believe all of the diamond commercials floating around - those commercials are made to make people feel badly about Not getting a diamond - oh please. Forget the diamond guys, save up for a downpayment on a house or something useful ...

Anyway, count your blessings everyone :spin:

I am going to the Chiropractor for Valentines

[windowphobe]

I am curious if all the singles have the mindset that all the marrieds and/or those in a committed relationship sleep in a bed of roses every danged night.

Rose who?

[Oki_Man5]

Rose Ross, Rose Smith, Rose Jones, etc, etc, and on and on---lots of roses. LOL