Valentine's Day Blues Busters

First, the apology: Some people who have partners can't be with their partners on Valentine's Day for reasons that aren't funny. This article is for people who don't have a date on Valentine's Day because they've split up with someone they used to date. One thing my intended audience can do is consider whether you know someone who will be spending Valentine's Day alone because his or her partner is in Iraq, in the intensive care unit, or worse. Seriously, you might feel better if you do something to help that person.

Now, five cheerful suggestions:

1. Read this article, or read an even funnier AC article like those by Jason Love, in a public place where someone interesting can see you. Look up and glance at that person. This could lead to introductions, or even self-introductions.

2. Throw an Anti-Valentine's Day break-up or divorce party. Check out The Sweet Potato Queens' Wedding Planner & Divorce Guide, by Jill Conner Browne, for suggestions. Even if you don't want to use any of her suggestions, at least they'll give you something to chortle about while you plan your own party.

3. Do something contrary to the gender stereotypes of your previous relationships. If you're female, take the car to the shop by yourself, or mow the lawn by yourself. If you're male, shop for party decorations, or volunteer for some sort of church or community service work. The more clueless you are about what you're trying to do, the more available members of the opposite sex will offer their help.

4. Write an anti-Valentine's Day article, poem, or song.

If you have access to digital recording technology, consider recording your song and publishing it here on AC. Although you're reading a typical article by an AC writer who thinks of AC as an online magazine, the site supports multimedia content and pays for digital music, videos, slide shows, and even audio-text. After all, many newer computers are wired for sound, and many blind people are logging on to the Internet these days. So, music and audio-text are in demand.