Guide To Surviving Valentine’s Day…Single

Being at an all-girls school does not help with the daily boy hunt Presentation students go through. Though we have Facebook, Skype and texting nowadays rather than awaiting our gentlemen callers at the door, we still manage to be single on Valentine’s Day. But you need not worry! We have a step by step guide to help you out on this lonely holiday.

 

Step 1: Prepare yourself for the worst.

Your friends might have boyfriends and tell you about their elaborate plans they have for the special day. But don’t let this faze you, you strong, single and independent woman. Love will come someday and you can look back and laugh on this lonely day.

 

Step 2: Get comfort fillers.

So what you don’t have someone to cuddle with?! You have chocolate, sappy movies and stuffed animals. Chocolate has never let a girl down. Buy a large box of Sees or Godiva chocolate truffles with no guilt because you deserve it. Movies are a great way to pass the time and can be a comfort in relating to what you are going through! Good movies are the chick flicks such as Clueless and 500 Days of Summer or funny ones to put your mind off being lonely such as Napoleon Dynamite and Zoolander. Lastly, stuffed animals are perfect because they can replace men and are better at cuddling, being fuzzy and don’t do stupid things like burp in your face.

 

Step 3: Don’t Go Out

Do not go out with your friends; you will only be reminded when you see other couples that you do not have somebody. The best is to stay inside, preferably in sweats or pajamas for optimum comfort. Living room couches are probably the best location for your evening so that you can be as relaxed as possible. Also, do not strain yourself. Bring all your desired comforts to one location, within arm’s reach, and stay there for the rest of the night. These items should include cookies, warm drinks such as hot chocolate, extra pillows, a favorite bag of chips, your chocolate box, several movies and candy to nibble on.

 

Step 4: Spend it with Family and Friends

Family is always going to support you whatever your relationship status is, so invite them over. Your cousins, mom, dad and siblings can be people to divert your attention from not having someone to love on Valentine’s Day to making you feel loved on Valentine’s Day. Your single friends are always someone to talk with and take comfort in because they can distract you from the truth of what is happening on this day and will always be there for you. Your family/friends and you can all watch a movie, play a board game or bake an “I hate Valentine’s Day” cake all together to make the night fun!

High School Sweethearts

We all dream of the perfect relationship: someone who will sweep us off our feet and tell us that we are flawless; someone who will take us on romantic dates and be there for us no matter what. Most us of us can agree that this love is not easily found, and for those of you who have found this relationship, congratulations- everyone is envious of you. Hopefully, we will all find our soul mates one day, but for now, we can read about two “aww”-inspiring relationships and imagine that we are one of these cute couples.

Claire Zirbes and Anthony Verducci

Dating for: two and a half yearsAnniversary: March 28

The Voice: When and where did you meet?

Claire: In the middle of eighth grade, I moved from Minnesota to California. Anthony was in the other eighth grade class, and we were friends at first.

The Voice: How old were you when you started dating?

 Claire: We started dating the summer before freshman year.

The Voice: How did he ask you out?

Claire: He never really did! We were really good friends, and one day, he told me that his mom asked about me. He told her that I was his girlfriend, then asked me if that was okay. I said yes!

The Voice: What do you like most about your relationship?

Claire: He is my best friend, and I can tell him everything. I am never lonely when he is around. When he comes over, we can just watch movies and make dinner for each other. I am the stay-at-home type, and he doesn’t mind.

The Voice: What is the best date you have been on?

Claire: One Valentine’s Day, he cooked me dinner and bought me flowers, and when he served me the dinner, it was on a plate that said “You are Special.” I thought that was really cute.

The Voice: Do you guys have any plans forValentine’s Day?

Claire: I am not sure yet! He will probably come over and cook dinner for me, and then we will go see a movie. We don’t really like to go out a lot.

The Voice: Where do you see your relationship going in the future?

Claire: I don’t know. I mainly want him to be around, even if it is just as a friend.

The Voice: Do your parents or other people express concern that you’re too young to be in such a long-term relationship?

Claire: No, never. My parents are happy for me, especially my mom. She is really supportive and she says that she is happy for me. My dad was really protective at first, and he still is a little, but not as much.

The Voice: Do you have advice for others on how to keep a long-term relationship?

Claire: I think it is very important to be really good friends before you date.

The Voice: What advice do you have about arguments and how to handle them?

Claire: Listen to the other person’s feelings and be patient. Talking it out is best.

The Voice: Do you have any additional comments to add?

Claire: It is very important to be honest with your significant other, and not be embarrassed to express your feelings. It is also important to be very accepting of physical appearance. Also, don’t look for love, because you will find someone when you least expect it.

Kathy O’Neill and Will Olson

Dating for: two years and two monthsAnniversary: Nov. 15

The Voice: When and where did you meet?

Kathy: We met sophomore year at a mixer.

The Voice: How old were you when you started dating?

Kathy: I wasn’t allowed to date until I was 16, so we officially started dating when I was 16, but we unofficially dated when I was 15.

The Voice: How did he ask you out?

Kathy: He never asked! It just happened. At a dance, someone asked how long we had been dating, and he told them two months. He never asked the question.

The Voice: What do you like most about your relationship?

Kathy: I always have someone to talk to, and I know that I can always count on him.

The Voice: What is the best date you have been on?

Kathy: We always hike Mountain Peak on my birthday. He does a lot of incredible things. Once, I was having an unbelievably horrible day, and I realized I was late for babysitting. The house where I was babysitting was close to his house and he knew where it was. I went to the car to get something later that night and there were chocolates, a bouquet of roses and a note sitting on my car from him.

The Voice: Do you have any Valentine’s plans?

Kathy: We don’t have any plans yet. The Bellarmine dance is on the 11. We will probably go to dinner and hang out somewhere.

The Voice: Where do you see your relationship going in the future?

Kathy: I am not sure. I would always love to be friends with him.

The Voice: Do your parents or other people express concern that you’re too young to be in such a long-term relationship?

Kathy: No, they know I am happy, and that I am independent enough to control my relationship.

The Voice: Do you have advice for others on how to keep a long-term relationship?

Kathy: Find the right person, talk a lot and be willing to talk about anything.

The Voice: What advice do you have about arguments and how to handle them?

Kathy: Never hold a grudge and be willing to talk about the problem and compromise.

The Voice: Do you have any additional comments to add?

Kathy: Don’t get too attached. When you go to college don’t get stuck on being together forever. If it is meant to happen, it will.

Fun February Date Ideas!

Bored at home? Tired of the typical dinner-and-a-movie date? It doesn’t have to be this way! This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re spending it with a few friends, or with that special someone, consider these fun date ideas:

For the active couple—
If you love being active, try these two sports that also encourage hand holding: roller blading and ice skating! There are many places where you can roller blade or ice skate either indoors or outdoors, depending on what the weather is like. Calskate in Milpitas offers indoor roller blading sessions, while Sharks Ice at San Jose makes for a great place to go ice skating.

Hiking or biking are also two ways to grow closer to that special someone while still being active. Alum Rock Park in north San Jose has both biking and hiking trails that are open year-round. The trail may be tedious at first, but it’ll give you both time to talk and to enjoy nature as well as each other’s company. Not to mention, by the time you reach the end of the trail, you’ll feel so accomplished with yourselves!

For the competitive couple—
Want to go on a date that is both competitive and playful at the same time? Try out some of these ideas!

Bring out your inner child with a twist on the classic game of tag: laser tag! Laser Quest in Mountain View offers laser tag at a reasonable price. You can choose to either go during the day, when mostly children play, or at night, when mostly adults play.

You can also bring out your competitive side by playing sports. Mini golf is the classic date sport. Midnight bowling with either a date or a group of friends is also a fun way to spend your time. Either sport is a guaranteed fun time.

Another activity that’s good for either couples or a group of people is playing video games. Just Dance 2 for the Nintendo Wii will leave you laughing at how ridiculous some dance moves can be. You can either choose to go head-to-head with another person or play in teams with up to eight people.

For the culinary couple—
Try something new by cooking a meal together. Neither of you has to be good at cooking to have a good time. You can start from a dish as simple as spaghetti, and work your way up to something more complicated. The love and hard work that you put into the meal will make it taste better than what any restaurant can offer.

If it’s a nicer day, you can also pack some sandwiches and go out for a picnic. Lay some blankets down at a local park or in your own backyard and just have fun enjoying your meal outdoors with that special someone.

Here are some other great date ideas—
Instead of going out to watch a movie, stay in! The setting is much more intimate, and you won’t have to worry about disrupting other movie-goers. If you want the same intimate setting but you still want to go out, try going to a drive-in. San Jose’s Capitol Drive-in is a great place if you want that authentic drive-in feeling. Plus, tickets to watch a movie at the drive-in are much cheaper than regular movie tickets! But the night doesn’t have to end after the movie is over; satisfy your late night fast food or breakfast fix at your local Denny’s, which is open for 24 hours.

Want to have an unexpectedly good time? Visit your local Petco and have a fun time playing with all the unusual pets they have in the store.

If you have an entire day to yourselves, take a day trip to San Francisco. There are plenty of things to do there, from browsing souvenir shops along Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, to enjoying the traditional clam chowder in a bread bowl, to shopping in Union Square or browsing the unique thrift stores down Haight Street. End your day by watching the sunset on the top of Twin Peaks. The view there is spectacular, but the only downside is the wind chill, so remember to bundle up!

Valentine’s Day Recipes

Surprise your loved one(s) with some great desserts with these easy to follow recipes!

Valentine Message Brownies

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine

2 cups sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

½ cup milk

3 tsp. vanilla extract, divided in half

1 cup chopped nuts

2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Chips/ Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)

Vanilla frosting

Red food coloring

Candy sprinkles/ other decorative candies or sugars

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over sides of pan. Grease bottom and sides of foiled-lined pan.

2. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Stir in sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, eggs, milk and 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; blend well. Stir in nuts. Spread batter in prepared pan.

3. Bake 40 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Just before brownies are done, melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla. Immediately spread over hot brownie. Cool in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate just until fudge layer is set.

4. Using heart-shaped cookie cutters, cut out brownie hearts. Place the brownies on wax paper so that the fudge side is on top.

5. Prepare and tint frosting to desired colors. Pipe messages or decorations onto fudge. Garnish with sugar and small candies as desired.

Recipe taken from hersheys.com

Valentine Chocolate Cookie Pops

Ingredients:

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

1-1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 tbsp. water

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa/ Hershey’s Cocoa

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

12 wooden popsicle sticks

White and pink frostings

Decorator’s sugars and colored sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Beat butter, sugar, water and vanilla in large bowl on medium speed of mixer until well blended. Add egg; beat well.

2. Stir together flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating on low speed just until blended. (If necessary, refrigerate dough until firm enough to handle.)

3. Roll 1/4 cup dough into ball; place on ungreased cookie sheet, 3 cookies per sheet. (Cookies spread while baking.) Insert wooden popsicle stick about three quarters of the way into side of each ball. Flatten slightly.

4. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until outside edges are firm and center is set. Cool several minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire rack. Cool completely.

5. Decorate tops of cookies with white and pink frostings to make hearts or Valentine messages. Sprinkle with decorator’s sugars or sprinkles, if desired. Makes about 12 cookies.

Recipe taken from hersheys.com

Heart Shaped Shortbread Cookies with White Chocolate and Raspberries

Ingredients:

Shortbread-

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup unsalted butter

½ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Filling-

¼ to ½ cup raspberry jam

2 ounces white chocolate grated

Directions:

1. Mix the flour and salt. Set aside in a separate bowl.

2. Cream the butter until smooth with an electric mixer. Add sugar and vanilla extract and mix for 2 minutes.

3. Stir in the flour mixture

4. Flatten the dough. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour

5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

6. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until ¼ inch thick. Using a heart shaped cookie cutter, cut out the dough. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.

8. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until cookies are slightly browned. Cool on wire rack.

9. Coat the top of half of the cookies with the powdered sugar.

10. On the other half of the cookies, spread ¼ to ½ tsp. of jam. Sprinkle with grated white chocolate.

11. Place the sugared cookie on top of the jam to make a sandwich.

Recipe taken from the Joy Of Baking.

Why I Hate Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we are all anxiously awaiting the exciting and romantic holiday. Just kidding. It’s one of those traditions you either love or hate, and in reality, there’s probably a lot more of us who scorn it than those who count down the days until February 14. What is the reasoning behind the disdain? Many, especially teenage girls, dislike Valentine’s Day because they feel it points out the fact that they don’t have someone to share it with. Others think it is pointless or are sickened by the excessive mushiness they witness throughout the day. Personally, I don’t mind the concept of the holiday, but it’s what it has become that corrupts its credibility.

Valentine’s Day celebrates Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love and happy marriages. Although his precise origins are unknown, he is widely accepted as being a martyr who was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and helping Christians being persecuted by the Emperor in Rome. But how many people know that? Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day to celebrate our loved ones in the name of Saint Valentine. However, nowadays it has become more of a celebration for the economy than anything else. What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Valentine ’s Day? Roses, greeting cards, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and maybe a stuffed animal or two. And when you think about it, who is it that makes the biggest deal out of the impending holiday? The stores and companies that supply these cliché gifts, of course. Much like Christmas clothing and decorations, Valentine’s Day items hit the shelves long before February even arrives.

We’ve lost sight of the true meaning of the holiday, and it’s become just another reason to spend our money. What saddens me even further is the fact that we’ve come to accept a generic card and some cavity-creating candies as a representation of love. Not that these can’t be given out of love, but, for the most part, the standard Valentine’s gifts seem to be given because they are a requirement for the holiday.

A much better representation of your love is your time. Spending the day with your family, significant other or both is much more valuable than balloons and a teddy bear that sings 80s love songs, and you’ll probably get much more enjoyment out of your day. Of course there is nothing wrong with passing out boxes of Sweethearts to your friends. It’s always cute to give and receive a little something, but don’t let that take the place of a more meaningful way to spend your Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day For Singles

As a single girl in the month of February, we know what you are thinking. “Valentine’s Day means love and romantic dates with your boyfriend. This day doesn’t apply to me at all.” Well, don’t be so quick to shun the holiday; The Voice will provide you with the best and most unique ideas to enjoy the day without a significant other.

Feeling adventurous on February 14? Head to the mall with a small group of your girl friends and go boy-hunting. The group of you can get dressed up in your cutest clothes, straighten your hair and put on a little extra make-up. When there, challenge yourselves to catch their attention or go up and talk to them yourself. The thrill of this event will get you flirting with some cuties and give your friends a good laugh. Who knows? One of you might even wind up with a phone number or a date. If not, it will definitely be something to remember in years to come.

Wishing you had someone to exchange gifts with? Do this with your friend. Ask someone to be your Valentine in a cheesy way (such as on your knee with a flower from your garden) and set up a time for you to meet on the actual holiday. Then, hit the dollar store or your local drug store and pick up some candy, stickers or stuffed animals. On the holiday, the two of you can meet up and give each other your gifts. You will be happy to give your friend some small presents and even happier to receive your own. After this sentimental moment of gift giving, the two of you can head to your favorite restaurant for a meal. You both may feel good to be with someone you can trust and have fun with without spending too much money on the perfect gift or date.

Feel the need for some unconditional love? Spend time with your family. Valentine’s Day may be thought of as a day only for couples, but it is really just a day of love. What better place to find love than in your own family? Ask your siblings to help you make a dessert together and get your parents to make dinner. This will be a good time for you to connect with your family, which is hard to do as a teenager. After dinner, your family can rent or go to a movie, play a board game, go for a walk or just talk. As long as everyone is together, the experience will be one of bonding and good times.

You are still a single girl in the beginning of February. Instead of thinking the day is only for lovey-dovey couples, make plans with your family or friends to express your mutual love for each other. It’s also an excuse to talk to boys and eat way too much candy—and what could be better for a Pres girl? If you try one of these ideas you may find that being single on Valentine’s Day isn’t so pointless after all.

New Valentine’s Day Movies

Whether you want to go see a movie with the boy you’ve liked for the longest time or just want to have a good time with your friends, the movies are always a great way to spend time with those you care about on Valentine’s Day. So get ready to go to the movie theater to watch Dear John and Valentine’s Day.

Dear John is based off of the popular novel by Nicholas Sparks. John Tyree (Channing Tatum) is a soldier home on leave when he falls for the college girl Savanah Lynn Curtis (Amanda Seyfried). However, John decided to reenlist after the attacks on September 11, 2001, which takes a toll on their relationship. This romance is sure to tug at your heart and maybe even bring a few tears. If you loved The Notebook, then you’re sure to enjoy Dear John as well.

If comedy is more your style, the movie Valentine’s Day is a must see. This film has many celebrities playing roles, from Taylor Swift to George Lopez. The movie follows several characters and how their lives intersect on the holiday, similar to the British film Love, Actually. The mash up of actors looks promising for a good laugh.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

     Are you trying to think of the perfect gift for your boyfriend but seem to be coming up blank? Can you not think of anything besides the standard flowers and candy? Are you trying to spice it up? The Voice can help you find the perfect gift for that special someone!

Cute Ideas

1)      The P.E. Health Blanket – Believe it or not, the P.E. Health Blankets make great gifts for any occasion! Does your man have a favorite sports team, music group, or movie? If so, this will be the perfect gift. Buy a fabric with the print you are looking for (like a San Jose Sharks logo if he is a hockey fan) and find a solid color for the back side that complements the front print. The blanket is sentimental and cute, yet can be masculine enough if you choose the right print. Check out Beverley’s, Joanne’s Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics and even Walmart for fabrics!

2)      Build-A-Bear – It may seem cheesy, but making your boyfriend a Build-A-Bear is an adorable way to show your affection. Choose one that has a connection to you (for example, get a brown Build-A-Bear if you have brown hair) and include something that incorporates memories or inside jokes, like a certain T-shirt or accessory. They also have sports attire to give the bear a masculine touch. Boys are secretly emotional, so even if they don’t show the bear to their friends, they will love and appreciate it anyways.

3)      Mixed CD – There’s no denying that practically everyone listens to music while they drive, whether it be on CDs, iPods or the radio. For a cute Valentine’s gift that will always keep him thinking of you, make him a CD. You can include many different types of songs: romantic songs, inside joke songs and some of his or your favorite songs. It’s a sure way to make him smile and think of you while he’s driving to yet another day of school. A mixed CD like this will definitely brighten his day.

 

Fun Ideas

1)      Tickets – Whether it’s for a concert, entertainer or a sporting event, purchasing tickets for the two of you can create a fun night. Is his favorite band playing in town any time soon? Is there a San Jose Sharks or San Francisco Giants game coming up? If so, surprise him with tickets! Such events are great for an entertaining night you will both enjoy and remember. Worried about the price? Don’t be. If ordered early enough, some tickets can be as low as $20.

2)      Technology– The saying goes, “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Well, cheap entertainment tends to do the trick as well. Has he been desperate for the video game “Modern Warfare,” like many teenage boys have been? Or maybe he hasn’t been able to find a copy of “The Hangover” yet because it seems to be sold out everywhere. Is he crazy about music and can’t keep off of iTunes? Don’t fret, all of these gifts can be found at reasonable prices in stores like Best Buy and Target. Both stores have a variety of videogames, DVDs, CDs and iTunes gift cards. Nothing beats a gift they will actually use, so hit up your local stores today!

3)      Free Passes – They’re like gift cards, but for events! You can’t go wrong with a free movie pass and there are also passes for mini golf, bowling and much more. Just choose an activity he would enjoy and see if they sell free passes.

 

Still Can’t Think of Anything?

     The gift ideas mentioned above won’t work for everyone. Every person is different, which is why it can be hard to decide on a gift. If you still need help thinking of a gift, here are some tips.

1)      Think of his hobbies. Is he into Speech and Debate? Is he on a sports team? Find out if you’re not sure because knowing his hobbies will be extremely beneficial in deciding on a gift. For example, there’s nothing more exciting to a sports player than buying him new gear. Whether it’s a new basketball or those cleats he can’t seem to get his eyes off of, he will love it. Think similarly with any hobby he has and think of what gifts can go with it.

2)      Think of his personality. Is he generally quiet and prefers hanging out one on one? If so, then buying a DVD for the two of you to watch while you snuggle up on the couch is a better idea than concert tickets. If he’s more social, then aim for something fun and active. Is he a bookworm? Try buying him a book you think he would enjoy or the next book in the series he’s been reading. Taking his personality into consideration will help narrow down your search.

3)      Make him think of you. No matter what gift you decide on, the point is to make him think of you. Something thoughtful can always do the trick, so focus on the things he is interested in. If you are at the mall together, for example, and he sees a hat he really wants but can’t afford at the time, surprise him on Valentine’s Day with the hat as his present. Every time he wears it, he will think of you.

Valentine’s Day is coming up quick, but don’t stress. With this list in hand, it will take no time at all for you to pick out the perfect present for your valentine!