Valentine’s Day (or Singles Awareness Day) is right around the corner and the Pepperdine student body once again turns to the Graphic for dreamy date ideas helpful hints and a distraction from the date on the calendar.
Whether you’re in a relationship single and seeking or content being alone here are tips for stress-free Valentine’s Day plans for every situation. The fun may not last forever but at least you won’t sit alone in your dorm room with a microwaveable pizza and “The Notebook.”
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Without a car
You don’t need wheels to roll with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day. Take a romantic stroll down to Alumni Park for a picnic at sunset.
Bring lots of blankets and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep your fingers warm. The music lover
Compile the perfect playlist. Avoid the obvious love jams everyone knows and opt for songs more personal to you.
Start it off with a kicker— think “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure— then decrescendo into softer tunes and end on a high note. A theme adds a nice touch such as 15 songs with “All I Want” in the title or something significant in your relationship. You can even add your own cover art and notes for why you picked each song.
Single? Steer clear of 103.5 FM love songs on the KOST. Instead let it out at your own rock show. I recommend ska-softies Reel Big Fish (key tracks: “Where Have You Been?” and “Dateless Losers”). Shredding guitar solos are highly effective distractions from the romantic hype. On a budget
Do-it-yourself gifts are better than a “Someone from Pepperdine University Loves Me” tee pillow or mug any day. Chocolates or candy? How about neither.
As suggested above a picnic or CD can do the trick. Valentine’s Day is also a prime opportunity to channel your creative side.
Guys write her a poem. You don’t have to be Shakespeare or Neruda to woo your love; regardless of your literary prowess she’ll appreciate you for trying. Extra points for use of iambic pentameter.
Ladies there’s nothing sweeter than a woman who can bake like mom. (Execute only if you possess the expertise. If you don’t two words: Betty Crocker. Just be sure to hide the evidence.) Crushing
Ask out the cutie from class. What’s the worst that could happen? He or she says no and you end up without plans. Well that puts you in the same position you were in beforehand. See? No harm done.
Besides if the lucky seed says yes you may have yourself a love fern by the end of the night. (Hope you just caught that “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days” reference.) In a dry spell
Shirk the urge to just give up. Girlies the right guy is worth the wait. Until Prince Charming arrives pamper yourselves— and I’m not just talking the mani-pedi routine.
Check out Exboyfriendjewelry.com where you can purchase jewelry from other people’s break-ups. Every item comes complete with the story behind the relationship and the breakup.
Guys I know the pressure’s on but you are less likely to get turned down around Feb. 14— it’s true. Recently dumped
Whatever you do do not stalk your ex’s Facebook profile.
You know how things work. If you happen to look you’re almost guaranteed to find that he has plans or that he or she has a new “you.” Have a friend change your password if you must.
Better yet show your ex exactly how you feel. Write his or her name on the bottom of your shoe and walk around all day with your secret revenge send the bouquet you saved back as mulch or learn to make potpourri.
The best revenge however is to celebrate yourself. Look your best on the big day and if you so happen to run into your former sweetheart confidently boast your best “eat-your-heart-out” smile. Chronically single
Do not have a single gals or single dudes party. Only one thing could make you feel more miserable than being alone on Valentine’s Day and that’s being with only other single people of the same sex.
Invite a friend of the opposite sex to pose as a couple with you on a dinner date and entertain yourselves by timing the other couples at the restaurant. That is estimate how long they’ll last.
Some laughs take the sting out of the situation even if you appear the cynic.