Table for one February 14, 2007
Posted by charmingbutsingle in Dating, Random Musings on Life.trackback
Valentine’s Day always brings up such a mish-mash of emotions for me. On one hand I hate it because I am not dating anyone. On the other, I hate it because it is an overly commercial celebration of a stereotypical ideal where chocolate and roses pass for romance, when really the most romantic thing I could think of right now would be a boyfriend who would come to the parking garage after work when I am weepy because my battery has died and I need a jump – and not in a good way – and I’d rather not have to sleep in my car all night. (Not that this happened, say, to me on, say, Tuesday or anything like that.)
Really, I find it kind of tiring to be that Valentine’s-hating. And slightly cliched. If I hate V-Day for lacking originality, am I really helping by bottling up bile and hatred for all things coupley and dating-like and spewing it forth on one day?
I dislike being single because I am a weepy optimist who does believe that there is a crazy, tallish, latte-drinking, (possibly) glasses-wearing, good-listening, creative, kind-hearted, sexy, intelligent guy who would just love to eat dinner with me at this little romantic Italian place that serves the best eggplant parmagiana within five miles of my house.
Until that man makes an appearance in my life, I’ll just keep on keeping on. Head up, shoulders back, smile on face. Because to quote that song, “if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
Also, buy jumper cables.
It’s worse when you are with someone, but that someone is a poor college guy who is also socially retarded.
It could always be worse!
Yes, Valentine’s Day is overrated.
Keep lookin’ for that man, girl!
Ah, Valentine - the patron saint of disappointment. I hate Valentine’s when I’m single and I find it almost as bad even when I’m with a guy. The day is so laden with expectations and emotional baggage there’s no way any man can live up to it. If he does nothing he just plain sucks and obviously ‘doesn’t love me’. If he does give me flowers/chocolates/whatever, it’s because he’s practically obliged to. There’s no winning…
The one thing I do like about Valentine’s is that my birthday is just the day after - so even if I don’t get spoiled on the 14th, I know some presents and love are due my way tomorrow…
Happy V-Day Charming. I hope you have something special planned for yourself (whatever it takes to get through the day).
hugs,
bb
Happy Valentine’s Day, C!
But you know what, the way I approached it was, it’s just ONE day, it’s gotta come (been avoiding CVs and their over-the-top V day decorations for a month now) and better still, it’s GOTTA pass. It’s 9am, so there’s only abt 15 hours more to go- have a great day!
I hear you- I hate it that I’m so bitter abt V day, so this year, I’m cheerful with a vengeance- which just makes me look even sadder
Agreed about the jumper cables — you never know when they might save your day.
Happy Single Awareness Day Charming! I’m channeling the crazy, tallish, latte-drinking, (possibly) glasses-wearing, good-listening, creative, kind-hearted, sexy, intelligent Gods to send you their finest specimen… =)
Keep on smiling =)
Ditto Charming!
He’s there some where. Meanwhile, I’ll be spending V-day with the other love of my life. Though, he’s a little bit hairier than I like, he gives good kisses!
Happy V-day!
I agree. For all those ladies who keep on keeping on through all the commercially hyped up holidays, I say Booya!
Also, me and a friend of mine are going for facials today for our own “Valentine’s Day” treat. Who needs men??
I, too, will be alone tonight. What makes it worse is that we have been dumped upon by the snow gods and I’ll probably be spending the evening shovelling snow and cursing my ex!
Im praying that the man of your wildest dreams and fantasies literally bumps into you today, and that he will feel horrible about spilling his latte on the tip of your shoes and offer to take you out for dinner. (And maybe, more to come after dinner??)
Good luck, and keep your chin up, thats the only way to take this wretched holiday!
x’s and o’s,
.Hollywood.
chocolate it’s not so bad
happy Velentine’s day from Italy
Just popped in via WordPress homepage… I agree that it’s a little cliche to hate Valentine’s Day. It’d be just as cliche to embrace it, and go full out with the pink foil and the chocolates and whatever. Consumerism kills romance!
But I love Valentine’s Day because it nudges people to talk about love–any love, not just romantic love. My parents always gave my siblings and me small treats for the day, and my college friends and I made a point of indulging ourselves in good food and companionship no matter what our romantic states are. Thus, a revision of the meaning of V-day that we revive annually on our various blogs. It’s quite cheesy, but it’s funny and good-natured and a reminder that if you need your battery jumped, the less temporary platonic loves of your life might be there for you.
tanglethis.wordpress.com
This post would make for a great personal ad. You never know…
I’ve always been more of a cappucino man, but lattes have their place, I suppose.
I always felt that Valentine’s Day was way commercially overblown. Treating random days throughout the year like mini-V-Days reaps much greater and more rewarding benefits, anyhow. Also, it’s easier to get reservations at the nicer restaurants on non-V-Days.
And if jumper cables are out of the question, at least get yourself a portable heater for the nights you camp in the car. It’s cold. Sniffles abound.
I’m spending Valentines day with my (TV) boyfriends Kyle Chandler (on Friday Night Lights), and then Jack Sheppard (on Lost). I’ll share them with you, if you want
I’m spending Valentine’s Day with someone that loves me no matter what. Actually, 2 someones that love me no matter what. My best friends. It doesn’t really get me down anyway but all of us being together is only fitting. Especially since we’re all on a one way street to Golden Girlsville.
Well I don’t wear glasses, but Happy Valentine’s Day, Charming. There is someone out there for you- I think he’s covered in snow!
Blast… I didn’t think that would work. Oh well, go to this webpage and check out the anti-valentines graphic he made. =)
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=14548455&blogID=229515112&Mytoken=A7AA456A-97F9-4237-AB32E2A14D74C5AE11411433
Blast that didn’t work… well here go to this webpage on myspace and check out the anti-valentines day graphic he made. =)
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=14548455&blogID=229515112&Mytoken=A7AA456A-97F9-4237-AB32E2A14D74C5AE11411433
OK you deserve some definitively Good advice on V-Day. So here it is.
Get one of these [http://www.amazon.com/Wagan-2045-SelfCharge-Auto-Jumper/dp/B000066OC8] Instead of simple jumper cables a car, ‘Auto Jumper’ which can be done via a trickle charge from the interior of the cab, or usuing a larger full size battery auto jumper hooked up directly to the failing battery. [A version of this one, only with cables: [http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-Battery-Booster-BB7B/dp/B000H774BY/ref=pd_sim_auto_2/102-8905884-1981760]
It’s what AAA uses when they come out to jump you now. The smaller size ‘trickle charge’ one working through your lighter, will cost about the same as a good pair of jumper cables, ~$20. The larger jumper battery for your trunk will set you back typically about $40-50. But by all means, check the age & life of your battery in the car. It’s near it’s expiration date (typically 2-3 years for most newer cars, 5 years for some high end & foreign models), just go ahead and replace the battery, for something south of $120, and you’ll be good to go for another 3 years. It’ll be the best money you ever put into the car. Cheers & Happy V-Day! ‘VJ’
You know, one of the Roman emporers forbid young people to marry, because they thought that single men made better soldiers. So this St. Valentine went around secretly marrying young couples. He was discovered, and executed.
So I guess that hating Valentine’s Day is older, even, than Valentine’s Day itself.
I say keep smiling. I’m spending it w/ 2 of my best friends and having dinner.. the most exciting thing for us? Chocolate lava cakes. Seriously. Livin it up over here. But that’s really ok for me right now. He’ll happen.. one day.. or he won’t. Guess we’ll see. Hope your day is still fab!
Happy Valentine’s! I emphatize with you, girl. I admire your views in life. I love every thought you share in your blog.
By the way, let me tell you this… I dated myself! Hehe.(Note: I am on the other side of the globe that’s why Valentine’s here is aleady over.)
Well, after work, I went to Catholic mass, listen to a “talk” in the church. Very timely, the topic was pro-life: anti-abortion, etc…
That was my Valentine’s day! Well, as you said this day is so much commercialized. But, I never let this affect my day. It only conditions my sub-conciuos mind, that is why if I accept it as it is, I may not see the real purpose of this day. Yes, currently, I do not have a girlfriend, but I find it a blessing that my love is not only focused on a single girl, but to all the girls in the world! Including you my dear!
Have a lovely day!
http://www.felicissima.wordpress.com
(please feel free to visit “My Valentines, today and yesterday”)
C, I just HAD to come back today to say “IT’S OVER!!!”. Valentine’s day has come, and gone, and all the shops will take down their decorations and I can feel sorta normal again
have a good week!
Here is an excellent book bound to make you smile & think about why being Single & Charming as you are is a GREAT thing:
http://notsalmon.com/books/book.php?g=love&id=13
Thank god it’s over for another year - no moe passing by grinning girls on the tube with obscenely large bunches of flowers. Eugh.
But organising a singles party was definitely the way forward - huge amount of fun and, bar the slight hangover today, without downside.
Valentine is just a hallmark’s holiday!!
I’m glad that is OVER!! so it wouldn’t remind me of being single lolz
Valentine’s Day is only special if you want it to be. Celebrate it like you would any day–by taking care of yourself!
Hey Charming. Happened on your blog a while back, stop by to see what you’re up to every now and again. Valentine’s day is just another day, it only matters if you dwell on it. Me, I have never really celebrated it much. It’s made a few girlfriends of the past more than disappointed but I’d rather surprise someone special on a completely random day than one surrounded in expectations.
Hope you find that someone special someday. Cheers.
The single days indeed weren’t always fun. But now I look back and think man, I loved not having someone that I HAD to share my money with!!! I can’t shop like I used to. And the misnomer is that you have more money once you’re married. It is NOT true!
Remembering your pain and hoping you had a good VDay in some way!!!
I enjoyed your blog very much … well written, and a very good point you made. Valentine’s day used to make me sad as well, but I was a single mom and I did have two great children to share it with. Nonetheless, being alone sucked.
Jumper cables is a good idea, and I wish you the best on finding that guy you described.
Best,
firefly
Could be worse, you could have inententionally tried to give your valentine salmonella poisening. Stupid Peter Pan peanutbutter.
Welcome to WordPress!
AAA is a girl’s best friend. Jumper cables are nice, but to be able to call a number and have some helpful guy change your tire while you stay pristine, or put your car door back on its hinges, or tow you when your timing belt or alternator goes out — priceless.
Thanks for a nice read. V-Day which so ironically stands for so much more than Valentines went by in a flash. I’ve never understood why people get so worked up about it. That said I’m totally down with any holiday that gives people yet another excuse to be romantic, giving and sappy ;)Gotta love the colour red.
My VDay consisted of “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” and a chai latte. If I do say so myself, one of the best VDays in recent memory.