Way before the Millionaire Matchmaker, the French had their own custom for scoring a date on Valentine’s Day. In une loterie d’amour—a drawing for love—single people of all ages gathered in houses that faced one another and proceeded to call out through the windows in an effort to make a match, until the men and women eventually paired off. The pairings weren’t perfect—sometimes the ladies were much more attractive to the men from far away. And let’s face it: screaming from across the street leaves a large margin of error when it comes to matchmaking.
Often the male suitor rejected his unattractive partner and would leave her alone smack in the middle of the date. Afterward, the women left single got together and built a huge bonfire, burning the men’s pictures, hurling abuses and cursing at the ungrateful pigs who had deserted them.
How about a bonfire as an idea for after the mixer, Patti! I bet 21st-century ladies would find this extremely therapeutic, as did the French women before them (although in France, the practice eventually became riotous and the government banned it.) But, hey, it could be just right for reality TV!
Draw Your Own Love
Personally, I think forcing a date on Valentine’s Day is a bad idea—it’s too much pressure and could end in your own kind of bonfire. Instead:
Party at your place. Host a Valentine’s Day dessert party for your single pals. All you’ll need are a spread of desserts, a little wine and a great playlist.
Let Valentine’s Day be a great excuse to celebrate the affection between all people in various relationships.
Show yourself the love by booking a manicure, pedicure, massage, facial—the works.
Share the love with your gal pals and have your own group date night. Try something fun like bowling or karaoke.
Find a new love in a class you’ve always wanted to take like yoga, cooking or maybe even tango lessons!
Love a single friend. One year when I was suddenly single on Valentine’s Day, I opened my front door to find flowers, chocolate and fashion magazines, along with a note from my girlfriend Donna. I remember that Valentine’s Day as one of the best ever!
Let Valentine’s Day be a great excuse to celebrate the affection between all people in various relationships. In the case of my friend Donna, hers was an expression of authentic love, compassion and friendship.
Look beyond romantic love this year by commemorating Valentine’s Day in unique ways with all the people you love and appreciate—beginning with you!
