How to celebrate Valentines Day

Its that time of the year again. The time of year that forces singletons and couples to take a good hard look at their relationship statuses, or lack thereof, because a card company decided so. It's the time of year when you can't walk a block without whacking into a big, heart-shaped balloon tied to a post or go into a store without seeing some sort of flower, or bear holding a flower. Oh yes, Valentine's Day is days away, and nobody is safe. Whether you're going solo or you have a significant other, it is hard to escape the stress of this special time of year. But since you are left with no other choice; you must read the essential Valentine's Day article, relax with some well-formulated tips, broken up for both couples and singles to enjoy. Just the Two of Us There are three prominent types of couples in the world. First, we have the nervous couple - the couple that has just started out and still gets butterflies when the other's name pops up on the caller ID. Thus, the choice of Valentine's Day activities is a complicated one. So, young studs, skip the high stress - high expectations of flowers, candy and dimly lit restaurants - and get active with three ideas in mind: cheap, easy and low-key. The honeymoon period of a beginner relationship is a sweet thing, and physical activities, such as ice-skating at the Frog Pond, are the best way to quell the sexual tension. The second type of couple is the couple that wears matching Burberry scarves, Tiffany diamond studs and pink polo shirts; they demand the trendiest and most expensive of celebrations. Put down the credit cards this year, material girls and boys. Instead, consider making a meal for your prince or princess by investing in cooking lessons that can be put into practice on Valentine's Day. Many restaurants offer cooking lessons, and for a range of prices couples can learn something about each other while learning how to do something mature. Maggiano's Little Italy holds sessions taught by Executive Chef Anthony Fazio for $10 every second Saturday of the month (this Saturday at 10:30 p.m., reservation necessary). In an easy-to-follow setup, participants can enjoy a four-course meal, complete with dessert and advice, such as the appropriate wine to serve at dinner. If the job seems too taxing, Maggiano's offers "Mars and Venus" meal packages. "You can pretend you made it," Fazio said. "We don't care. But of course it's better to cook [yourself]." While this couple may seek inner strength with a culinary treat, the final couple - the couple who has AIM p r o f i l e odes to each other with kissing smiley faces - can be sure the North End dinner reservation has already been set and the dozen roses have already been ordered. But it's time to lighten up the day with a trip to a tasteful X-rated shop. Forget the chocolate covered strawberries and purchase your very own Xrated cake or cookies at Sweet & Nasty, located near the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. and Newbury St. And there to "protect and serve" is Newbury Street's Condom World. Here you'll find "The gifts that keep on giving," according to Mike, the store manager who refused to give his last name. "As a rule, [buying flowers and candy] is what people mostly do, but [our store] is unique and fun," Mike said. The shop offers specialized holiday kits, body chocolate and massage oils. Oh, don't forget the furry, pink handcuffs. All the Lonely People If you think those with significant others get to have all the fun - what with their ice skating and cooking classes and flavored condoms - you're wrong. Even you, Mr. or Mrs. "Looking for random play," can have fun this Valentine's Day. Here are three types of singles and what each can experience without needing someone to spoon with: First, there's the bitter singleton. The scars of love have left this loner wounded and cynical, and the last thing he or she needs is a holiday that throws salt in his or her wounds. So, loner, get some aggression out and attend a local rock show for Valentine's Day. The Boston music scene is full of wounded lovers, guaranteed to scream out their tales of woe. Try rocking out to some punk-pop at the Middle East's 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Massacre with Bayside and the Lost City Angels on Sunday at 1 p.m. For your V-Day celebration try grabbing a few of your loner friends to join you for the evening - avoid anything red or pink - and breaking out the soda to listen to your favorite cynical rockers' CDs. Only in the past five years has the next singleton come to life. The "Carrie Bradshaw Wannabe" single is obsessed in a borderline unhealthy way; she depends on the fantastic lives of the "Sex and the City" ladies for some solo healing. What better way to indulge in her passion than spend it with other ladies who feel the same. Reel Bar on Cambridge St. is holding a "Sex and the City" trivia game and cocktails every Monday evening a 9 p.m., giving female singletons a place to call their own. If these singles don't have a license that says they're 21 yet, the "Sex and the City" trivia game from Recreation Group Plc. brings the "Sex and the City" girls to any location of choice. Priced at $19.95, its 1,000 questions will get all her single and fabulous friends through the last few hours of the dreaded day. Worst of all: The final singleton is the "desperately seeking a date" kind. Male or female, they refuse to be alone on a day that celebrates couples and feel they deserve to have a romantic Valentine's Day. Finding a date can be difficult - especially when time is of the essence - but there is help out there. While filling chat rooms may not be the way to go, "speed dating" offers an effective, fast way of meeting multiple potential dates to choose from. Participants are randomly placed with other singles in hopes that one (or more) could be the perfect date. "People can immediately determine if there's chemistry," said 8MinuteDating Marketing Manager Tracey Groth. "There's no up-front rejection." However, most services require participants to be 21. If you don't somehow fit into any of these ridiculous groups, you're allowed to dabble in any and all of the recommended Valentine's activities and are encouraged to create your own alternative fun. If all else fails, there will be no harsh judgment when you choose to turn off the lights, throw the covers over your head and sleep until Tuesday.

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