Chelsea Van Baalen
A&E Editor
It’s here. In fact, it’s been here. That horrifically sweet time of year when the world is drenched in pink, chalky heart-shaped candies are distributed, and everyone asks one question: “Will you be mine?”
Valentine’s Day has for too long been tagged as the one day a year set aside to show your true affections to your current squeeze. I have to ask, when did everything get so clinically exclusive?
Remember Valentine’s Day in elementary school? The entire class would distribute their chosen cards (usually themed, if you were cool) to everyone. There wasn’t choosiness when it came to who you wanted to be yours. Everyone got candy, cards and shared the love.
It’s also key to remember that not everyone shares the bubble of coupleness. For some, Feb. 14 is Single Awareness Day. No, it’s not a day to listen to Barry White and cry in your room, or to drown your sorrows in Ben & Jerry’s.
But for those in a relationship, don’t feel confined to heart-shaped confetti, red roses and gazing into each other’s eyes over a romantic dinner.
Any day of the week can be as fun as you make it, even that dreaded or anticipated Valentine’s Day. Here’s some options I have floating around on my to-do list:
1. Grab someone and head over to Smith Family Bookstore. Everyone has a favorite book — or at least one they liked. Pick out a book for your partner in crime and have them do the same for you. Pinkie-promise that you’ll actually read them.
2. Go the distance and try the 31 flavors Baskin-Robins boasts about. I’m not sure how much cajoling you’ll have to do with the clerk, but a spoonful of each flavor shouldn’t be terribly expensive. It might give you a sugar rush, but it’ll be the most fun you’ve had with a spoon.
3. Make each other a mix CD. This may sound cheesy, but really it comes down to taste. Pick a theme other than the L-word. Maybe you pick songs exclusively from the year 1994? Or ones that have the word “summer” in them? This is a great way to display your music tastes in a new and creative way. Afterward, listen to them together and analyze just how good of a DJ you really are.
4. Pull out a world map, cover your eyes and point to a country. Immediately fly there. I’m kidding! Research a meal that centers exclusively on the countries you picked together. The more people you have picking countries, the more courses can be included. It might be better to do this the day before to give yourself time to shop for groceries. Bon appetit!
Whatever you do, whomever you’re with, don’t be afraid to think a little differently and have fun in a way you never expected.
