Valentine's Day

Despite having been single for 18 years (official next week exactly), Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. Wait, aren't single people supposed to hate V-Day as much as Democrats and Republicans hate each other? FALSE. Let me tell why I love this lovely day of love.

In the ongoing arguments of Nature v. Nurture, Nurture wins in this situation. In my family, Valentine's Day has always been a huge deal. It is actually one of my mom's favorite holidays. So, every year, we decorate the dining room, have dinner together, receive gifts and exchange valentine cards. Formal dress is strongly encouraged. So, I mean....I get gifts and chocolate.....an epilogue to Christmas and a prologue to Easter. Why wouldn't I love Valentine's Day?

Those are cupcakes in the back. And the style of napkins is called Bishop's Hat.  (p.s. folding napkins is difficult.)

There is candy in the napkin. It goes downhill from there....so much chocolate in so little time.

I was going for an understated classy, yet casual look for the decorations. You know, to offset the  overly-commercialized holiday.

For people that don't like the holiday, take a moment and travel back to elementary school (don't actually go back there unless you want to be surrounded by small children like Buzz Light-year in the pit of aliens.) Wasn't it fun making valentines and passing them out in class? What about decorating boxes in which to collect your cavity-inducing treats? Come on, it was fun! Chivalry may be dead, but valentines don't have to be. This holiday isn't just about romance. You can share the love with family, friends, and co-workers. Write a letter expressing how much you care about them or bar cookies. Valentine's Day is for everyone.

This year's plethora of valentines. Phineus and Ferb  for the win. 

So, the next time you see a couple cuddling or exchanging flowers or hugs, don't be bitter. In fact, this is the one day you really shouldn't get on your coupled friends' cases. Complain for the rest of 364 days. Take this day to eat a lot of chocolate and be grateful for the love you already have in your life.

But until you get to that point, please indulge in these fabulous anti-valentines.