Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

How many of us do it? I know I've been guilty of it--in the past. But not this year, I refuse to. I will not look for a date just because there's a big red mark in the calendar of our hearts circled around February 14th. I won't be looking for love in all the wrong places. But what exactly are those wrong places? For me it's online; Grindr, Adama4Admam, Bear411. And it's very chick-flick-mentality to think that, "I'm a good person so if I'm in there looking, then it stands to reason there are other good people on there too, right?" Child, it doesn't always work out that way and because I failed Algebra, I can't give you a formula but I know the numbers just don't add up. But, hey, I'm sure you can convince yourself of anything--especially when Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

This year, I decided to skip the day of love--well almost. I'm going to celebrate it on me. And I know what you're thinking, "Don't you celebrate on you, nightly?" And the answer is, "Yes," but this February 14th, I plan on doing it in public. Wait, don't call 911 just yet, let me explain. I'm going to treat myself to anything I want: a movie, a play, a nice meal, even some clothes if I see fit--no, really, if it fits, I'm buying it! (Child, I've gained a few pounds since Thanksgiving--damn, Sarah Lee's pumpkin pie)Valentine's Day will be Nando's Day. 

Why should I have to feel left out just because I'm single? 

Truthfully, I never did V-Day even when I was in a relationship, I frequently gave gifts and sprinkled my love dust on my partner daily, and didn't rely on a February 14th to let me know it was time to do something special. But why this new self-love revolution? A few days ago, I was watching some youtube videos when I clicked on one where a young guy was listing reasons why he loved himself--normally we're quick to list the facts as to what needs to change; physically or mentally, but listing your positive attributes can be a big challenge; I tried it. And finally after an hour; I found 10 things I really liked about myself. (Try it--you'll be surprised at how awesome it feels when you see your list in black and white)

He also said, "You're born alone and you die alone," and he's right, unless you're a twin or die in a place crash--then you have tons of people around you--which I'd like the dying alone part better--but I digress. I got to thinking if we are alone, and we have to deal with ourselves throughout our lifetime, why not really like the person you are? Big news flash, hu? Don't judge, I never had a cool therapist to help me discover these things--all I had was Oprah (and if I missed the show, I missed the lesson) and a mother who'd feed me hot tortillas with butter to make my problems go away. Oy! No wonder I was a husky Mexican in the 2nd grade.

Besides having created a new holiday--this Valentine's is also the day Empire Labs and I are announcing the winners of the Valentine's Day Erotica Contest, so I'll be brining joy to a few other people out there. (There are only 3 days left to enter; make sure you submit your tale over the weekend!) So Valentine's Day, I can't wait for you to arrive because this year, I'm gonna make you my bitch! How will you be celebrating? Hopefully with your own holiday, yeah? Let me know, I'm curious.