I Hate Valentine's Day

• People and places it's best to avoid
• Ways to take your mind off being single
• How to score an emergency date
• Alternative ways to celebrate the holiday --or obliterate all thinking
• Crossing the minefield of gift-giving
• Romance for the unromantic
• Running into the ex
• Last-resort measures

It's only one day. Tomorrow it's just dead flowers, emptycalories, and a wicked champagne hangover.


Chapter Three: Emergency Dating

So you've rethought V-Day. You've deprogrammed your brain, deconstructed your expectations, and reset your meter. You judiciously considered puppies and babies and other innocent creatures. That's great. But you still want a date for the big helliday. You just do! Because, whatever, it's the point.

I can't say that I approve. Weren't you paying any attention to the last chapter? Your entire love life does not hinge on this one day. But I also understand that it is not my approval you are after. You are seeking a V-Date. Don't look at me -- I've already got mine lined up.

Every year, around February 10 or so, people stop fooling themselves. Up until this date, it is easy to tell yourself that you are FINE, JUST FINE with spending the blessed day by yourself. However, no matter how healthy your attitude, it becomes easier and easier for your resolve to crack as theÿïÈ