By: Michelle Harripersadth

Bring out the red hearts and soppy poems, cue the violins and watch society get sucked into a world in which they live vicariously through romantic characters on television and movies.

Yes ladies and gentlemen it’s that time of the year again where a single day is devoted to showering that special someone with gifts and praises. A day where being “the ultimate cheese ball” and extrovert is acceptable.

Well not anymore…! The year of the ‘ANTI Valentine’  is upon us. We live in a society where being the anti-version of something is frowned upon, yet gorging on idealistic fantasy is accepted.

An ant-ivalentine is someone who is not consumed by the mediocrity of the day, and realizes that being single is something to be celebrated rather than frowned upon.

The “single-lonely” stigma is evident in society, especially when Valentine’s Day comes around. The anti-valentine is trying to change the perception of single ladies and lads. It’s about giving them the platform to express the fact that even though they do not have a partner they are still confident with themselves enough to enjoy the day.

Society detests the anti-valentine yet they never take the time to realise that it is giving people a chance to cope with a holiday that is difficult for many to get through. It’s about giving the single guy or girl that broke up with their partner a coping mechanism so that they do not become depressed.

14 February is Anti Valentines Day. Pictures from: Meetupstatic.com

It’s about celebrating the fact that being single is a good thing and social media is the perfect platform to help society come to terms with the “new era of the anti-valentine”.

Here are some tips on how to have the perfect Anti-Valentine’s Day

–       Throw a themed anti-valentine’s party! Or, attend one. The nightlife scene in Durban hosts various parties for the anti-valentine themed “screw that love sucks!”

–       Wear all black!

–       Put on a pair of your best heels or sneakers and go out. Have a drink and relax

–       Create a non romantic playlist. There is nothing worse than listening to an upbeat track, then Celine Dione sneaks onto the playlist- my heart will go on.

–       Spoil yourself! You deserve it… treat yourself to a spa session or a good game of football.

–       The biggest benefit of being an anti-valentine is the fact that you don’t have to spend thousands on that rooftop dinner and dancing, all for one night. You can save the money and splurge it later on that well-deserved cruise or vacation.

The ant-valentine needs to remember that loving yourself is the first step to having a good day and that Valentine’s Day is one of 365 days in the year. Wasting it on sadness and tears is unacceptable! Get up, get dressed and get moving! Happy Anti-Valentines Day!