Oh yes, Valentine’s Day, the day of “profound love,” “Cupid’s Day,” or as I like to call it, “Chocolate sale at Meijer Eve.”
I personally have had one incredible Valentine’s Day in my short lifetime. Last year, my (now ex) girlfriend sent me on a scavenger hunt throughout Grand Rapids and Ada (our hometowns) to locations that played significant roles in our relationship and that led to her asking me to the girl’s choice dance at our high school. It was a little awkward running into her parents along the way, but it was a great time.
Flash forward to one year later. I’m single and waiting to go to Meijer or any other store for that matter on the 15th to score major deals on chocolate. (I have a big-time sweet tooth)
I wonder to myself, “What is Austin, along with many other single guys (and gals), going to do this time around?”
The answer is simple. Nothing.
Some people will sit at home on this glorified Tuesday night and sob into their dinner because they “ain’t got no bae.”
Going from my experience last year to the one I know I’m going to have this year won’t be easy, just like many other people that are in the same boat. I do apologize to the ladies reading but I’m going to consider this from a guy’s perspective. If you’re able to, take the night off, play some video games and get together with your boys. The most important thing that anyone can do when they’re feeling down is to have as much fun as possible.
If you like food, this list is for you, especially if you like free food. Here are a couple of insane opportunities to score deals at your favorite fast food chains.
Steak and Shake:
Now through Valentine’s Day, buy $10 worth of gift cards and receive a free milkshake.
Qdoba:
“Qdoba For A Kiss” returns and all you have to do is kiss yourself, or a picture of your favorite celeb and you score a buy-one-get-one-free smothered burrito.
McDonald’s (My personal favorite):
“Pay with Lovin’” is where select locations around the country will accept any sort of PDA whatsoever to cover the bill. Call your mom, fist bump the guy behind you in line, show off the cool handshake you have for yourself, with yourself (maybe not that).
With all of these bargains and deals, make sure you ask before you start making yourself look utterly ridiculous. Unless that’s your game, then go for it.
There are plenty of options, even if you don’t typically eat at chains, take advantage of these great opportunities to treat yourself.
For the sports fan reading, there are a couple decent college basketball tilts tipping off with love in the air. With games beginning at 7 p.m. and the second wave of games beginning at 9 p.m. on Feb. 14.
7 p.m.
Tennessee @ Kentucky – ESPN
The Wildcats, led by Malik Monk and Isaiah Briscoe, look to avenge their first conference loss of the season against the Volunteers, who will be making the daunting trip into Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.
Florida @ Auburn – SEC Network
The Gators carry one of the nation’s hottest scoring offenses, led by guards KeVaughn Allen and Chris Chiozza into this SEC Conference game against the Auburn Tigers in Auburn Arena. The Tigers have had a decent year themselves, this is the lone regular season meeting between the teams so it should be a great matchup.
9 p.m.
Ohio State @ Michigan State – ESPN
The Spartans and the Buckeyes have both uncharacteristically struggled this season, both squads have lost games they had no business losing. That being said, for the Spartans, Coach Tom Izzo has his team playing well just in time for them to make yet another deep run in the NCAA Tournament. This rivalry will bring the best out of both squads, which saw Ohio State lasting Sparty in Columbus, 72-67.
Oklahoma @ Texas – ESPN2
The Sooners and Longhorns install yet another chapter of the hardwood version of the Red River Rivalry. Neither team has played especially well this season but this game will, just like the annual football game, lead to surprises every moment.
So all you fellow singles out there, we WILL make it past this glorified, vomit-inducing, Tuesday. That being said, you don’t have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It’s not all bad if you’re single, you may be able to save a lot of money, and you can take time to be yourself. Most importantly, I hope to see you at Meijer on Wednesday.
