leading up to Valentine's Day

*Disclaimer: the following statements were made by a romantic who hides behind cynicism.

If anyone has known me for a while, they understand that I have a rather strong, depths of my stomach churning feeling towards the holiday that shall not be named. I mean really, can we dispense with the pleasantries and call it singles awareness month? Because that's how I feel most of the entire month of February. Nothing like being reminded by the entire US Marketing sector that I will not receive any of those things (except maybe a card from Mom - thanks!), or the "love" that they are meant to show.
MSN has a great article that sums up many of my feelings on the subject of the day that shall not be named: Check it out by clicking here. The next article on "10 Things We Hate About Valentine's Day" is pretty entertaining as well. As much as I love to hear what everyone else will be doing on that day, I am firmly committed to going to see a movie alone and probably studying, or at least trying to make myself feel remotely productive on a day where I have no plans. Since I'm not allowed to date guys who are not into me (which makes me wonder if anyone is left, just like the girl said in the movie), I will not be doing anything in that scene. So, Happy Valentine's day to all you happily in-relationship people!
Now for my own top 5 reasons why Valentine's day is great for me not to be in a relationship:
5. I can wear my pajamas all day, even to the movies, if I so desire.
4. I get to pick what I want to eat and how late I want to sleep - no pressure.
3. I don't have any heightened anxiety about what this day "means."
2. I can pick whatever chick flick I want to go see that day.
1. I bust out the Valentine's day Bible verse that I've had since high school. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - 1 John 4:10. Just in case you couldn't remember the real definition of love.