> And, I think I have to agree with her. The holiday is probably a little more fun if you actually have a valentine... but for much of the rest of the population, every single rose, heart-shaped balloon, dorky card, etc., just goes to show you what you can't participate in.

Any particular reason you can't participate in it? I don't think it's the law.

Tell you a story. Back before I had anybody to "participate" with, that never stopped me from enjoying Valentine's Day. There's plenty of time to do cute romantic things, and plenty of people to do them with. One year I got up early and dressed up pretty little candy boxes and left them on the table for all the girls in my theatre group. Did any of them fall madly in love with me and carry me away? No. But you know what? It made them smile. It was a sweet little gesture and it made them happy.

I have no idea what else one could ask for than an excuse to do something like that.