Love & Sex

Wednesday February 11, 2009

V-Day and the single person

By G. NAIR

Whether you dread the day or look forward to it, there's no avoiding Valentine's Day. Yes, the Day of Love is just around the corner again.

There are so many ways of celebrating Valentine's Day, and I'm sure everyone has their own special plans for the big day (or night.) For those who are married, for those who are engaged, for those who are in a new relationship and for those who have hot dates planned for the big day, Valentine's Day can be one of the most thrilling, romantic and sweetest days of the year.

However, here's the flip side to it. What are those of us who are single and not looking forward to it do? Here's a suggestion. I decided this about three years ago and have been doing it every year since.

I simply pick a few of my favourite romantic movies, and watch them with my favourite food, and my favourite drink. Who cares about the calories! I can eat anything and everything I want, because I'm celebrating Valentine's Day!

It may sound sad, sitting home alone and watching a bunch of soppy movies, but when you plan it out, pick out the perfect movie, set the right ambience, light a few candles (if you want), and even pick up a bottle of wine just to spoil yourself, you'll be looking forward to the night!

Here's what's on my list. You may want to adapt it to your own preference, of course.

First, I clean the house (apartment, hall or room – whatever it may be). I make sure everything smells nice, the floors are shiny, and the hall is perfectly arranged to my liking. And then I decide what I should eat. Be it pizza, pasta, chicken, McDonald's … whatever it is, I grab the phone and order in.

Don't slave away in the kitchen to whip up something for yourself; the idea here is to take it easy. Unless you enjoy cooking for yourself, in which case, go right ahead – put on some music and dance away as you fix your favourite meal (even if it's just instant noodles).

Get your smoothie, Coke, milk shake, hot chocolate, root beer, ice cream float, absolutely anything you want and get it all set in front of your TV. Have dessert waiting in the oven or fridge.

Don't forget the clothes! Wear whatever you want – dress up or dress down, it's all just for you, baby, so put on whatever you fancy. The idea is to be perfectly comfortable.

Recommended viewing

Just to help you get started, here's a list of must-watch romantic movies to point you in the right direction. Forget sad ones such as Titanic, Romeo and Juliet and even classics like Gone with the Wind. Try something light, funny and entertaining to help you really celebrate the Day of Love.

Wedding Wars

Starring John Stamos, Eric Dane and Bonnie Sommervile.

What happens when every homosexual in the country goes on strike? This ensues when Shel (John Stamos) the wedding planner to his brother Ben's (Eric Dane) wedding, goes on strike when he finds out that the bride's father (the governor) is against same-sex marriages.

He gets even more upset when he learns that his own brother is also against it. Shel's strike affects the entire country, making every gay person to go on strike as well. This is a sweet tale of love between two brothers with huge differences, a husband and wife, an engaged couple, and a gay couple. Watch how the brothers overcome their differences with hilarious results.

Love, Actually

Starring a load of well-known actors and actresses. This is a gorgeous tale of love between several different individuals. You'll see how, it's never too late, nor too early, to find love. The movie brings true meaning to the phrase "Love is all around." Brought to life by vibrant and diverse characters, it's one of the sweetest, most heartfelt and most touching love stories of our time. A definite must-see for Valentine's Day.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. This is one of my favourite romantic movies ever made. An absolutely hilarious take on romance, where love waits only at the very end. How do you repulse someone you find yourself so undeniably attracted to? And how do you attract and make someone fall in love with you, when they're supposed to chase you away?

A writer who is working on a story about how to lose a guy in 10 days does everything imaginable to drive Mr Right away, only to have him coming back for more!

While You were Sleeping

Starring Bill Pullman, Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher. Is it considered cheating when you fall in love with your fiancé's brother while your fiancé' is in a coma? What if he's not really your fiancé, but everyone around you thinks he is, and starts planning your wedding?

What happens when your fiancé who's not really your fiancé wakes up and doesn't even recognize you? How about the brother you're still in love with? What happens to him? If you haven't found your ultimate favourite romantic movie yet, then this could be a leading contender. Another hilarious take on love at second sight.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Starring John Corbett and Nia Vardalos. Most of us out there could probably relate to this movie. Shy, meek, but intelligent and headstrong Toula Portokalos (Vardalos) has worked in her family's diner for as long as she remembers.

She yearns for her romantic story to begin, when in walks handsome and dashing Ian Miller. It's love at first sight for the girl brought up in a very staunch Greek environment, where her family will only agree to another Greek man as a husband. Watch how things take a turn, and how this nightmare resolves into a fairytale ending.

Now that you've got all that settled, turn off your cellphone, or put it on silent, lock your doors (you need to be safe of course) and settle down in front of the TV with the remote in your hands. Pop in that DVD and dig into your food.

You'll be surprised at how relaxed you've become, how great you feel, and how happy you are! Who needs romantic dates, or big Valentine's Day plans? Celebrate it on your own, in whatever way you want, where you're the boss and no one else has a say as to how loud the TV should be. It is pure bliss, trust me!