Be Creative This Valentine's Day

Why all the fuss for Valentine's Day? Does anyone really know where it even comes from? One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wibes and families, he outlawed marriage for young men- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lover in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death (history.com). Honestly, I think most men today would be thrilled if marriage was ooutlawed!
Regardless of the origin, people all over celebrate and like to make a fuss over Valentine's Day, women especially. Yes, we tend to be the more romantic ones of the human species. Seriously though, does anyone really need a pound of chocolate? What about the sexy negligee with the garter belts and thigh highs? Unless your skinny or have the perfect body, do you wnat to receive this as a gift knowing you're expected to prance around in it in front of your guy? He probably feels the same way about receiving a thong with hearts all over it. So how can we celebrate Valentine's Day without the tacky gifts?
Love Coupons? Might seem childish but if you're willing to uphold your end of the deal and grant every offfer in the book (a massage, home cooked meal, sex slave for the night, ect...), I think he will be thrilled to know he's getting you to give in at his request. How about a couple's "Day at the Spa" gift certificate, where you can spend a relaxing day together BOTH receiving together? You can go online t find a Spa in your area with different package deals>
Love to eat, but hate to wait for a table? Then you probably should go out the day before or after to avoid the crowd and the feeling of being rushed through dinner. Better yet, send the kids to grandma for the night or to a friend's in exchange to do the same for her one night, and plan a romantic evening at home. Plan to cook (or order) the foods you both like the most, a nice bottle of wine or champagne, plenty of candles, and of course you have to set the mood to music. Then you pick out the negligee that makes YOU feel sexy and let down your hair and inhibitions!
So what about the rest of us that will be alone on Valentine's Day? Yes, my significant other will be walking the streets of Bourbon during Mardi Gras. No comment needed! I know from past experience that the last place I'd want to spend Valentine's Day if I were single is in a nightclub. I did that ONCE many years ago and my friend and I realized about an hour into the night how pathetic we looked as if we were looking for a date for the night...YUCK! Planning a night hanging out with your friends can be a lot of fun with no pressure to please anyone. How about a night of Sangria and Karaoke singing Shania Twain's "Man, I Feel Like a Woman"?
Not into the bar scene? A girl's get-together "Day at the Spa" followed by lunch and a "chick flick" also sounds pretty good to me. Maybe you're totally banning the holiday altogether. That's fine too. Kick back at home with your comfy pajamas and a good book and just enjoy yourself! That's probably what I'll be doing:)