How to Celebrate an Anti-Valentine's Day

Some people dislike Valentine's Day because of the implication that being part of a couple is the only way to be truly happy. Others might be part of a couple and still dislike Valentine's Day because of the implication that on this one random day of the year, we should all buy certain things for our significant other as a symbol of our love. Some couples feel that they do special little things for each other all year long and setting aside one certain day to show that you care or be romantic may seem silly or redundant. Still others resent the marketing industry's rather narrow definition of romantic love, which seems to be all tied up with non-anatomical hearts and flowers and candy and sappy little greeting card rhymes.

One option for those who do not necessarily desire to ignore Valentine's Day altogether, but who do wish to be a little less clichéd and commercial about the occasion is to celebrate an Anti-Valentine's Day instead. Exactly how to enact such a celebration is bound only by the limits of your own imagination, but here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing.

-Since Valentine's Day seems to have turned into a marketing-focused pressure cooker meant to make us feel guilty if we don't buy something for our sweetie, why not resist the impulse to consume and make something for your sugar lips (or friend or sibling or mom or pet) instead? Why not create instead of buy? Why not generate something with your very own brain and hands and heart behind it, instead of automatically succumbing to the mass production assembly line this Valentine's Day? Wouldn't a personal creation be much more meaningful than some factory product anyway? Your special someone is not a generic convention so why should your special someone's token of affection be a mass-produced cliché? Step away from the doll injection mold and take the time and consideration to create your very own Valentine or Anti-Valentine for that special someone close to your heart.

-What should you create? Well, think about what might be especially meaningful or memorable for your honey bunny. Think about the special memories you share. Think about your own creative skills, talents, and interests. I think you'll discover that the possibilities are myriad and fun! Make a mix cd or write a song especially for your sweetheart. Write an original poem or use your calligraphy skills to transcribe a classic or quirky contemporary love poem. Bake up a batch of homemade cupcakes with black frosting to make your own little statement against the ubiquitous pink and red landscape of Valentine's Day proper. Make your own Valentine or Anti-Valentine's Day card. Build or paint or otherwise decorate a unique frame to hold a photo of special significance to you and your lucky gift recipient.

-If you feel like you don't have the time, talent, or inclination to make something for your sweetie, but you still don't want to buy in to standard Valentine's Day clichés, a more practical offering can still be a great idea, a wonderful token of appreciation, and a generous gesture this Valentine's Day. Cook your special someone their favorite meal. Offer to take care of their least favorite household chore for a day, a week, maybe even a month. Bestow a luxurious, sensuous massage upon your lover. Again, the possibilities are many.

-Then again, it could be that you do these kinds of little favors for your partner all the time and it seems silly to make a big show of doing something special on February 14, just because that's expected. Perhaps you and your partner should agree to ignore Valentine's Day altogether and choose your very own special day to celebrate-a day that holds some special meaning just for the two of you. Your chosen celebration doesn't need to include the usual gifts; perhaps it could simply take the form of setting aside a little more quality time to spend together on that day.

-Perhaps rather than just celebrating Valentine's Day in your own special way, you would like to do something to help counteract the corporate marketing machine. Instead of channeling your money into greeting cards, flowers, chocolates, or the like, why not make a small investment into something altogether different.? Perhaps you and your partner could agree that instead of spending money on Valentine's Day gifts for each other this year, you will instead set that money aside into a special vacation fund, so that you can take a step closer to enjoying a relaxing vacation together whenever the time and mood is right for you. Or even more selflessly, perhaps you could donate that money to a special cause or charity that you feel strongly about.

However you choose to acknowledge or ignore Valentine's Day, it's important to remember that it is up to you to be creative with your choices rather than automatically succumbing to conventions that do no suit you. Don't let the marketing industry define love and romance for you. Create your own definitions and celebrations.

Happy Anti-Valentine's Day!