St. Valentine's Day

This year I promised myself I would not be bitter. I would not feel spiteful towards loving couples, I would shun the "singles awareness crowd" and wish poxes on all those who proclaimed "love sucks!" blah blah blah. I would not "tolerate" or "put up with" Valentine's Day. I would simply live it.

I'm chilling on a comfy blue couch between classes, in my new favorite spot by the eastern wall in my new favorite eastern-most building, and it's never crowded.

A year ago I was in the best relationship of my life and it was the worst Valentine's Day ever. This year I'm in a much worse place, personally, but the day seems like it could be pretty good. It's sunny out, which means I'm in a good mood.

As far as Valentine's Day plans go, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. The men upstairs are going out for a romantic meal and then watching a chick flick together at home. It'd be fun. A friend asked me to hang out with her, but is insulting and baiting me at the same time, so she can go have fun with herself. Another friend asked me to go dancing. I haven't decided yet.

No one cared if they were single last week. Why do we feel the need to find a mate for the day? Look, world! I DO have a partner, see? One of my roommates rushed out the door at 2:30 am to go make out with a girl. Another one made a deal with an acquaintance that they would be valentines today...which means they are watching a movie with about 15 other people. ..not sure how that would be any different than usual.

So, here, for all the world to hear:

I, Nate, am single. It is St. Valentine's Day, a day of love, both erotic and emotional, a festival of amorous feelings, and I will observe the day and recognize it for the holiday it is, but I will not scramble for an available seat just because the music has ended. I will gladly stand, alone, while the pairs of the day, both long-standing and sudden, march through their evening's plans. I do not spite them for their love. I do not seek to take that from them. I look with distaste on those that say "It's Valentine's Day. Let's pretend we're in love for the night" but will not damn them either. With any luck, they will learn a thing or two about love and be able to recognize it in future.

I, Nate, am single. It is St. Valentine's Day.