by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
It’s that time of year again, when even the bravest, most independent single will have at least a momentary pang of jealousy towards those entangled in a relationship. Just after Christmas, before the New Year even rung in, there were store shelves lined with candy and stuffed animals clutching hearts. As the day approaches, you’ll spend more and more time trying to valiantly ignore that hearts are EVERYWHERE. But you don’t have to spend the 14th in the depths of despair. It’s quite possible to be single and actually have a good time on Valentine’s Day, even if you aren’t on a date. Here are a few things you can do to love the most important person in your life—you.
Fix yourself a romantic meal with all the trimmings (it’s waaaay too disheartening to go out) or just pick up something decadent somewhere. I’m not talking Ben & Jerry’s, although that does have its appeal; I’m talking bakery-fresh decadence from Truffles (904) 292-3345 in Mandarin or Edgewood Bakery (904) 389-8054 in Murray Hill. Both places have incredible cakes and confections you can take home and enjoy. You can also buy chocolate and indulge that way, but don’t get Hershey’s: go luxe! A great way to do that is to take a trip to Claude’s Chocolates (904) 808-8395 in St. Augustine, my very favorite chocolate store. While you’re there, you can also pick up some baked goods at Hot Shots Bakery.
Spending time with your other single friends is a great idea, if you have any single friends. If not, and you’re the only single one in your circle of friends, it’s time to make at least one new friend. Scour your office for someone to hang with on the Dreaded Day or call one of your single friends you’ve been neglecting. Whatever you decide to do, it’s best to get it set up in advance. Most single people do make their own plans for V-Day, whether it’s going out or curling up with a decent book, so make sure you make solid plans.
You don’t need a man to buy you time at a spa. I am so not girly, but I loved the 30-minute facial and body wrap I got at Clayman’s Spa (904) 388-6110. What’s better than a person attending to you, with no other desire other than to make sure you have a pleasurable experience? Most men don’t even do that. Clayman’s also has some of the best massage artists on staff. Cheryl Wright has received local awards for her incredible hands. These days she’s not only using her hands, but is also using her feet. As far as I know, Clayman’s is the only place in Jacksonville that you can get an Ashitasu massage, wherein the massage artist walks across your back, using a special bar to balance. It’s rather like a deep tissue massage. Don’t skip the manicure, pedicure and make-up station. After all, it’s all about you.
Find a project you’ve been neglecting, or buy the tools you need to pick up a new skill. You can start a beading project and make a dozen or so necklaces and bracelets, then stash them away for the next time you need a gift for a female co-worker. There are plenty of strange classes you can take, like the Spy School (904) 565-1004 on Southside or Simone’s Belly Dancing Classes (SEE PAGE 18 FOR ARTICLE). UNF www.unf.edu and FCCJ www.fccj.org also offer a number of non-credit art classes throughout the year so you can pick up glass blowing or clay pottery if you so desire.
Stop by Violet (904) 355-4449 in Five Points on the 9th from 6-9PM for a little pre-V-Day shopping. With art from Kim Barry, ceramics from Jennelle Comiskey, jewelry by April Aultman and fashions from The House of Kilroy, you’re sure to find something you’ll like. Have them wrap it and then gift it to yourself on Valentine’s Day.
Maybe you’re a closet Doctor Who fan or you love bad horror movies. There’s probably some movies that you’ve either always wanted to see or that everyone else you know hates. Settle in with some popcorn and your DVD player for a marathon of whatever you desire.
There’s no need to lock yourself in a closet ‘till the season ends, V-Day can be prime hook-up time for singles, if you can find a singles oriented party. Avoid couple infested parties like the plague; happily, most couples want to off by themselves doing romantic things, so finding a singles only party might not be as difficult as you think. Ask everyone in your social circle if they know of a party, or check out The Pearl’s Bleeding Heart Ball - it’s ladies night.
If you love yourself, don’t go on a blind date on Valentine’s Day. The day tends to put pressure on non-couples to either hook-up or become an instant couple. It also might send the message that you would rather be with a complete stranger than alone on Valentine’s Day, and therefore are completely desperate to start a relationship. Remember, it’s better to be comfortable and alone than miserable and with someone.
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