Happy Anti-Valentine’s Day!
Monday, 9 February 2015, 08:53
Last update: about 12 years ago
The world is divided into two kinds of person. The one that awaits Valentine’s Day with total anticipation, racking their brains to find the perfect gift to give to their loved one. Sending the most amazing bouquets to their place of work. Strewing red rose petals all over the bedroom floor. Buying expensive jewellery and delicious chocolates. And then, there’s the one for whom Valentine’s Day is pretty much just another day, which unfortunately you are supposed to ‘celebrate’ if you are part of a couple. Guess which one our contributor Coryse Borg fits into? She is here to show, however, that just because you might not think Valentine’s Day is a big deal, there are still fun ways to show your other half that you care… in an amusing and, let’s just say, different way.
So, Valentine's Day is just round the corner. Again. Time flies, doesn't it? If you and your significant other are like me and you just can't be bothered with all the romantic lovey-dovey stuff that comes as part and parcel of this day, here are some ideas that will show your partner how much you care, without having to go against your nature and be too romantic and yucky.
- Send them an anti-Valentine's Day card. It's not for nothing that Valentine's Day is known as 'the Hallmark holiday'. In the US alone, more than 145 million cards are sent each year. Several of them have a heart on the front. Or a bunny. Sometimes, they sport flowers or even - shudder - a teddy bear. If you feel physically sick at the thought of a fluffy red heart and the words 'I love you my hunny-bunny', why not try an alternative card? There are lots of options that you could use, many of which you can find online. For instance, one of my favourites is a card that says: 'You suck less than most people' and a close second says: 'I like you. And naps'. Yet another one says: 'There's no one else I'd rather lie in bed and look at my phone next to', which I thoroughly approve of and relate to. And finally, the one that says: 'You're the best thing in my life. Besides wine', which pretty much sums up my partner and myself.
- Give them a gift they really need. Seriously... whoever first thought that giving bouquets of flowers to a loved one was a good idea needs their head examined. So, you give the love of your life this enormous thing that is going to smell and die within a couple of days. Lovely. Chocolate? Yep, give them something that will make them put on weight and feel guilty. I must admit that I do like the idea of jewellery (hint, hint) but then again, I'd rather have something practical. Like a scalp massager. Or Han Solo and Leia bath towels (yes this is something that actually exists and it makes me very, very happy). Or a set of 'Cards against Humanity (also hint, hint) so you can play together while having a right laugh.
- Stay home for dinner. If you are like me, Valentine's Day is possibly the worse day ever to go out for dinner. It is full of people gazing at each other with this love-struck puppy-eyed look. And soppy music. And heart-shaped mini cakes. If all this makes you uncomfortable, the only alternative is to stay home and watch a movie which has a special meaning to you both. Cook a meal together and voila - a perfect evening. Or put on a CD of the most anti-Valentine's music you can think of and enjoy. Such as Joys Divisions' 'Love will Tear us Apart' (what a tune!), Soft Cell's 'Tainted Love' (a classic) or Royal Blood's 'Careless' (check them out; they are awesome).
So this year, as I eat a scrumptious home-made meal while watching a great movie and listening to some fantastic music, I will be hoping that I gave some good ideas to like-minded people who, like me, go a little against the grain. Happy Anti-Valentine's Day!