5 Ways to Celebrate an Anti-Valentine's Day

Singles and anti-social types are traditionally the ones of have eschewed any of the activities and gift giving associated with that day of love - Valentine's Day. Some argue it's just a holiday thrown on the public by greeting card companies, who need a boast in revenue during February, especially after the holidays end after the new year.

But more and more people are bucking any Valentine's Day activities, not just singles and people with low social ambition. In fact, one can argue that a sub-culture of celebrating an "Anti-Valentine's Day" is taking hold and slowly reaching its tentacles into the mainstream population.

Whether you are single, dating, married or just enjoy hanging out with friends, there are ways you can spend your anti-Valentine's Day without feeling lonely and depressed. Here are a few ideas that have worked well for me over the years:

1. Do nothing at all. One can argue that celebrating an anti-Valentine's Day lends credit to the holiday itself. The idea here is to go about your business as usual and ignore anything and everything to do with Valentine's Day. If possible, volunteer to work extra hours.

2. Invite a group of friends over for an anti-Valentine's Day party. Ideally, these friends should hold the same sentiments as you do regarding this holiday. What can you do together? Watch movies, play poker, pig out on pizza, or even have a pot luck where everyone brings their favorite foods and deserts. The only rule: No one mentions Valentine's Day!

3. Buy something for yourself! Splurge on a new book (or even a few books) or go buy something even more expensive you have always been wanting.

4. Go out and have fun by yourself. Try that new restaurant or see that movie that you have been curious about. Make the day all about you and stuff you want to do! Just be careful, restaurants and movies are also popular among Valentine's Day revelers. So plan in advance, make reservations and be prepared to spoil yourself!

5. Take a mini-vacation! This can mean checking into a local spa for some much need pampering, or if you are really determined, heading out of town for Valentine's Day. Go visit some friends you haven't seen in a while, or even family. Just ensure that whoever you see knows you want nothing to do with Valentine's Day.

The key to a successful anti-Valentine's Day is using your imagination. Don't worry about what others are doing, or what others will think of your negative attitude toward this "card company" holiday. The day can be what you make of it (or what you don't make of it). Some of my most favorite ways to spend a holiday are at home with nothing planned - being lazy for a day can be the best gift of all!