I have always had such a strange relationship with Valentine’s Day. I wouldn’t say I hated it, but was I the holiday’s biggest fan, shouting from the rooftops about my love for it? Certainly not. And it’s not just because this marks the eighth year in a row that I am spending it theoretically on my own. I have felt this way my entire life, even when I had a partner.
February 14th can be a challenging and sometimes confronting day for many, especially when you are single. Now more than ever, we are facing a loneliness epidemic – don’t get me started on the lack of dating culture here in Australia – and Valentine’s Day can often make us feel isolated and force us to confront our fears for the future.
It probably doesn’t help that what is often deemed the most romantic day of the year happens to coincide with my birthday. Although perhaps not a widely relatable occurrence, I believe it positions me as the perfect person to share how to beat the heartache this Valentine’s Day.
To tell you the truth, I previously would completely ignore the date of my birthday and leave all celebrations to the day after. I didn’t want to burden my friends, as the majority had partners, and intrude on their opportunity to be wined and dined with a side of roses, but this did mean I would often spend the evening alone.
This year though, I am taking a very different approach and spending the night celebrating love of a different kind, with one of my single girlfriends. Sitting at home eating pizza in front of a chick-flick seemed too tragic in my year of trying new things, so instead, we are going out, grazing on sumptuous sashimi and sipping some fabulous cocktails – and I could not be more excited. Rest assured, a larger-scale birthday celebration is still planned for the next day – I don’t like to do things in half.
Regaining my power on my Valentine’s Day Birthday is no original idea, it seems. There is a new trend emerging – the girlies are taking over Valentine’s Day. No longer do we single (or even partnered) girls need to pin all our expectations on overpriced flowers and over-the-top set menus. Instead, we can reclaim our agency and use the day to celebrate with friends, whether in an intimate setting or somewhere a little cheeky for those single and ready to mingle.
Hospitality venues and brands nationwide are taking note and creating events perfect for a girl’s night, so consider your dud Valentine’s Day plans officially upgraded!
Looking for some inspiration? My pick for a night with the girls is Melbourne fine jewellery brand FinerRings’ Fine & Wine workshop, where you can craft your own fine jewellery pieces while sipping some vino – count me in!
If you are after something more promiscuous, Chapel St speakeasy Sistine have stocked their vending machine with naughty trinkets and an Aphrodisiac Chilli Chocolate Truffle.
Continuing the erotic trend, local fan favourites such as Studio Amaro and Hanoi Hannah Vol.II will have several aphrodisiac specials available alongside their usual menu, including oysters, chocolate tarts and Aphrodite’s Potion cocktails.
For those in Sydney, Grain Bar at The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is transforming into a playground for the senses during their first-ever singles night in collaboration with luxury fragrance brand INITIO Parfums Privés.
Looking for a friend in a more furry form? Forrester’s has teamed up with The Petbarn Foundation for their Rescue Restaurant, which will see hot Sydney singles partnered with the city’s most eligible rescue pups. Cue the potential for a forever love to form.
Moonlight Cinema is playing 10 Things I Hate About You nationally, and if that isn’t the perfect chick flick for the occasion, I don’t know what it is!
Or, if you haven’t already followed my lead and explored the Museum of Desire with your girlfriends, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse – because who needs roses when you can have art, friendship, and a little mischief?
Whatever you decide to do, please grant me my one birthday wish and don’t spend the day in a funk. Get out there and do what we women do best – celebrate with our loved ones, ideally with an Aphrodite’s Potion cocktail in hand.
Pictured: Cocktails at Studio Amaro, FinerRings Fine & Wine Workshop, Vending Machine at Sistine.
Marisa Jayne is a Melbourne-based writer, podcaster and publicist who is in a relationship with her own thoughts. She lives by the motto ‘Happy, Pretty, Busy.’ You can find her on Instagram.
