A Valentine's Day Alternative

Valentine's Day is a commercialized, pseudo-celebration of romance. Even for historians, overwhelming controversy surrounds the day that falls on the 14th of February. There are alternative routes, alternative lifestyles, and even alternative music. So what's wrong with having an alternative Valentine's Day? It seems plausible that the most celebrated Hallmark holiday get an alternative upgrade.

According to the National Retailer Federation, more than $15 billion dollars was spent in 2007 on expendables alone: flowers, candy, dinner etc. But just because Americans buy into the day originally slated for some short dude (cupid) toting a bow and arrow, does not necessitate universal observation.

TheConsumerJournal.com offers the following suggestions for singles without significant others to turn to this February 14th:

Pamper Thyself
Why buy that box of Godiva, Ghirardelli or Perugina, for someone else when your palate is quite capable of savoring the finer chocolates of life. Who needs foreplay, when a deep tissue body massage is just as relaxing without the reciprocation? For the person who must have a date on February 14th, there's nothing wrong with recruiting a new love, enlisting a friend or outsourcing an amore.

Seize Opportunity
Now is the chance to make contact with a lover who jilted you. What better opportunity to call an ex who wiped their feet on your heart like the way one does after stepping in canine poop. Valentine's Day is the ultimate excuse to profess your love (just one more time).

Play the Opposite Approach
Instead of sending sweet nothings, seek out a complete stranger for a meaningless encounter. But, have fun at your own risk. Deterrents such as STDs, serial killers and other psychos necessitate a little prudence.