February 7th, 2012
Why You Should Spend Valentine’s Day Alone
The most romantic day of the year is getting more expensive. Consumers this year are expected to spend an average of $200, which is up eight percent from last year. For the same price, you can get a Kindle Fire, six-and-a-half shares of Facebook or a round-trip plane ticket from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Aside from the obvious fact that dinner for one is always less expensive than dinner for two—unless you’re Kobayashi—there are lots of other reasons why spending V-Day on your own might be the best choice. Here are just a few reasons I’ve found for staying in this Feb. 14.
- Roses are darn expensive. It’s a fact. This florist says so.
- There’s a lot of pressure. Ladies, please don’t visit the Tiffany & Co. website. Oops, too late! Guys, peel her away from that site now. As Racked points out, the brand has added a “Drop a Hint” button to their store. We’re sorry if your inbox floods with links to overpriced necklaces.
- It’s probably too late to make reservations anyway. Unless you want to be stuck dining at that restaurant where that guy found a fingernail in his ravioli, you might have missed out of the best spots.
- There are perfectly suitable, cheap Valentine’s-Day-for-one options out there. Like these Peeps (now in convenient heart form!) or anything from your local dollar store. Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
- Expectations are high. I mean, really high. Imagine if your wife or girlfriend saw this article and got some crazy ideas in her head that you will shell out the G’s for a 24-carat gold bag or a bracelet that costs as much as a house. You don’t want to disappoint her with some sub-par gift, do you? Better to just opt-out of the holiday altogether. Your wallet with thank you.
- If you’re blind dating-it, you’re in for a world of disappointment. In addition to the fact that you could drop two Benjamins on someone you hardly know, he or she has probably told you a bundle of lies online. It’s science. So either stay home, go dutch, or lower your expectations.
- Helium prices are rising. (Get it?) You know that adorable heart-shaped mylar balloon you were hoping to buy your sweetie? Well, it could cost you a whopping $3 more this year, since the price of helium has increased, at least in the Pacific Northwest.
- Television. I hear there’s a great documentary about Tupperware on that night.
If you do decide to hit the town this Valentine’s Day, be sure to make your plans early. And remember to set a budget so that you don’t experience wallet or credit card woes on your special night out.
Keep up the Karma!,
Bethy Hardeman, Social Media Maven
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