Today’s incarnation of Valentine’s Day is a holiday created by greeting card companies. The plump image of Cupid, the mass-produced cards and the silly hearts on candies are so shallow and superficial that it’s nauseating. Anti-Valentine’s Day celebrations are a part of a growing movement against the hypocritical holiday of Saint Valentine’s.
Whether you’re single or part of a couple, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself on Valentine’s Day without subjecting yourself to the lovey-dovey details.
Go sight-seeing
Honestly, it’s probably one of the most un-romantic things you can do in D.C. Even in the chilly winter weather, there will be no limit to the sweaty and loud tourists who accompany you to the Washington Monument or the Lincoln Memorial. The setting may seem picturesque, but in a place as public as the National Mall, no traces of romantic intrigue can be found. D.C. couples will most likely stick to the exclusive, local areas. If Valentine’s Day is all about “intimacy,” go in the opposite direction. Take pictures, wear fanny packs, and just obnoxiously point at our beloved national monuments.
Throw an Anti-Valentine Party
Decorate your dorm with black paper hearts. Serve bowls full of broken heart candy. Vandalize pictures of adorable celebrity couples (mustaches and pirate teeth never get old). Buy a heart-shaped piñata and smash the hell out of it. Make T-shirts. Tell date stories gone wrong over a fake campfire.
What better way to spend the day of love than hanging out with close friends while blasting anti-love songs? There is no end to the fun that can be had in mocking of people who celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Find your inner guy
Sometimes there’s nothing better to drown out the mush and love than to kick back in your PJ’s and watch some explosions and gunfire. The Bourne Trilogy is a good pick if you’re feeling intellectual. If you’re in the mood to drown out your feelings, rent a “Transformers” movie. It doesn’t matter which one.
If you get tired of zoning out in front of the TV screen, bust out the video games. Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros or Madden are great group games. If you feel like playing solo, grab the RPG’s or shooter games.
Have a girl’s/guy’s night out
There are plenty of clubs and restaurants having themed nights either before or on Valentine’s Day bitter singles. D.C. clubs are always a good place to loosen up and, if you want, meet other singles, especially since most doting couples are stuck in crowded, formal restaurants. Or go to a restaurant like Co Co Sala in Penn Quarter which is hosting its own “Anti V-Day” party on February 10.
If you’re part of a couple that doesn’t feel like doing the candle-lit dinner, head over to Ben’s Chili Bowl, or even a random hot dog stand and dig into some greasy food. If you really want to make a point, make it an eating competition. There’s simply no limit to the ways in which you can celebrate your own Anti-Valentine’s Day.
hbui@theeagleonline.com
