Valentine’s Day for one

Tips to warm the single heart



With Cupid reserving his arrows for dreamy-eyed couples on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day can be a challenging 24 hours for singles.

While some celebratory days such as Duck-billed Platypus Day ( Feb. 2) and Talk Like a Pirate Day (Sept. 19) have, believe it or not, been given their own billing, “Happy Single’s Day” (the anti- Valentine’s Day) will have to wait for some other time.

Local singles will once again be left out on their own this coming Tuesday, so why not make the most of it? Just one measly day for singles —that’s all we ask.

As it turns out, there are numerous special events planned for lonely lovers. Check the website MeetUp. com for specifics.

A quick perusal found that Valentine’s Day celebrations for non-couples throughout Ventura County included hikes, “fast dating,” soirées and afterwork get-togethers.

Local events include:

A“Lock & Key Party” for singles at 6:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 9 at Moorpark’s Cafe Firenze. ( Go online to MeetUp. com/ VenturaCountySinglesMeetup- Group.)

A single seniors dance from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Camarillo Community Center auditorium, 1605 E. Burnley St. Call (805) 482-4881.

A single ladies one-night special on Feb. 14, including room, VIP entrance to Bogies’ Lounge and two free Valentine martinis for $ 199 ( based on double occupancy) at the

Westlake Village Inn,

31943 Agoura Road.

Call ( 818) 889-

0230.

In the meantime, t r y put- ting your- self “out there” by joining one of the myriad online matching services, including free ones such as PlentyOfFish.com. You can target your interests with SpiritualSingles.com, JDate.com ( Jewish), ChristianMingle.com, Ou r- Time . com ( over 50s), and even SingleNudists.com. There is, apparently, something for everyone.

Or how about purchasing one of those “ buy- one- get- onefree for-your-lover” offers that abound on Valentine’s Day and treat yourself to an extra item or, even better, share it with a dear friend or beloved relative.

Why not just make a date with yourself?

A mani-pedi or a massage can go a long way toward soothing any negativity or depression that Feb. 14 might engender. Dinner and a movie for one is not as scary as you might think: Sip a glass of wine, nosh on some favorite fare and enjoy your own company. Nothing wrong with that.

Also, because it’s a day about love, why not try to love thy neighbor and make someone else’s life a bit better, at least for a few hours? On Feb. 14, take a senior citizen to lunch, or spend the day as a volunteer at a food bank or animal shelter.

By giving to another person or helping your community in some way, chances are you’ll feel better about yourself. What goes around comes around, even for singles.

And while we can’t wish a “Happy Single’s Day” this Feb. 14, we can still say “Happy Valentine’s Day” because it is, after all, a day of love for everyone.



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