By JESSICA ROSS
Are you single for the famous, well-known, significant other holiday, better known as Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry. There are alternatives to celebrating love, candy hearts and flowers.
Many see Valentine’s Day as a commercial day for lovers. What some do not know is the amount of money spent on those famous flowers or candy. According to the Census Bureau, as of October 2014, $407,807,220 was spent for fresh cut roses. The Census Bureau also reports that in 2011, $13.5 billion was spent in shipments of firms producing chocolate and cocoa products.
“As much as I love chocolates at a cheap price, Valentine’s Day has lost its meaning overtime. First of all, you should express your love for your partner everyday of the year, not just annually,” said Gisselle Arce, 22 of Iselin N.J.
“Second, people have put so much emphasis on having a valentine. If you don’t have a valentine, it’s not the end of the world. Its just another day without a significant other,” Arce added.
Showing Love in Other Ways
Consider sharing your love with others, rather than a significant other on Valentine’s Day. Volunteering is a great way to share the love. Give back to your community and spend the day with others while enjoying yourself.
Not big into volunteering? Consider having a get together with your closest friends and have some popcorn while watching movies or give each other manicures.
“My dog and I have a puppy play date with my friend and her dog. We are thinking of making dog treats and watching horror films,” Emiley Ross of Long Hill Township, 25, said.
How about getting out of the house and go bowling or go sightseeing?Getting a good sweat on at the gym is also a good way to not think about all of the love birds of Feb. 14.
Rather than going to a Valentine’s Day themed party, how about throwing an anti Valentine’s Day party? Instead of having hearts everywhere, consider putting up “love stinks” streamers or have cookies that have sayings on them, such as “Back off” or a broken heart drawn on them.
Single Awareness Day
Just because you don’t have a significant other, doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun on Feb. 14. But if that day leaves a bad taste in your mouth, why not have some fun on Feb. 15 or Single Awareness Day?
According to Urban Dictionary, Single Awareness Day, or S.A.D., is to remind people about their singleness. The best part about this is that you don’t have to have a significant other; you can celebrate it between family or friends.
A review of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Ed Yardeni of Yardeni Research reported in September 2014, showed that there were 124.6 million single Americans, which accounted for 50.2 percent of people who were 16 and over. The 2015 figures are consistent.
“I plan on eating lots of ice cream and discounted candy on Feb. 15. Some of my friends, who are single, are going to the movies, of course not a romantic one.” Lindsay Davis, 22, of Washington Township said.
The day doesn’t have to be all candy, flowers, and love. Spend it by doing things you love, whether that is volunteering, watching movies, bowling, or plain making fun of the holiday with good friends.
This is a good story. I learned about different things people do on Valentine’s Day.