Community Corner

Single on Valentine's Day? Tired of Cards and Candy?

There are alternatives for those who are single, or just hate the whole cards-and-candy routine

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, people fall into two groups: The lovesick, and those who are, well, sick of the whole thing.

Maybe you’re romantically challenged and would rather not be reminded of it. Or, maybe, you’re one of those people who thinks the self-determined Day of Romance has devolved into so much over-the-top pomp and circumstance.

Regardless, there are plenty of you out there. The good news: If this year’s V-Day will be a decidedly solo affair, has put together a list of alternatives for you on what’s become one of our country’s most commercialized holidays:

1. , ,
While couples are filling their faces and smiling smugly at each other, you’re getting a head start on your beach body. The underlying benefit of the gym on Valentine’s Day is twofold: First, no waiting for weights or machines; second, you get a filtered look at who else is single.

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This is not about drowning your troubles or crying in your beer, you’re here to watch Gophers men’s hoops versus Ohio State, the Minnesota Wild vs. Anaheim or any combination of the nine NBA games scheduled that night.

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For some, being single is a choice. For others, not so much. Whichever category most suits you, embrace it. Yoga is a wonderful way to do something for your physical self while also clearing out those mental cobwebs. Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so it’s business as usual for most yoga studios.

4. , and a Rebox movie from , , or
Ask any couple—married or cohabitating—what’s the one thing they miss about being single and the answer will often be: “Time for myself.” Well, you’ve got it, and this might be the best possible occasion to celebrate it. When was the last time you gave yourself permission to just order a pizza, crack open a bottle of Chianti and watch a movie? If you’re part of a squadron of singlets, invite them over to do the same.    

5.  Museum of Questionable Medical Devices
First off, if you’ve not seen this collection at the Science Museum of Minnesota, it’s a must regardless of romantic status. But the larger point is that many of the area’s art galleries and museums will likely be overrun by intellectuals hoping to impress their partners. Go for something unique, something non-traditional. Look for something about which you can tell a story—the fact that it happened on Valentine's Day only adds to its richness.

And Patch’s final piece of advice: Above all, avoid the places where all those couples go: Movies playing the latest Hollywood romance, the restaurants lit by candles, the local park at sunset.


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