Valentine’s Day is one of the most loved and hated days in the year. While it’s an opportunity for couples to express their like (or love) for one another, many people despise the day and the idea. I’ve never hated Valentine’s Day, because I feel you don’t have to be with someone to enjoy the day. Hell, there are plenty of ways to survive Valentine’s Day by remaining completely single.

To begin surviving Valentine’s Day, you must not be bitter. Valentine’s Day is like any other day. Say for instance, your friends wedding anniversary happens to be on the 8th of April. Are you going to be bitter to your friend because they are going to celebrate their anniversary every year on the same day? Taken Valentine’s Day in the same light, some people are going to celebrate it with their significant other. Instead of being bitter, aim for a day that you’re doing the same thing with someone you like.

Valentine’s Day brings out many opportunities. For singles, there’s plenty of anti-Valentine’s Day events and festivities to attend. Check out the New York Magazine’s list of Anti-Valentine’s Day events. Who knows, you may meet another single person who you’ll share V-Day with next year?

Try hanging out with your other single friends. I’ve often found myself having brunch or a lunch with my dearest single friends. Oddly, I usually end up with those who are the most important in my life. In some way, they end up as my Valentine’s, just without the sex and kissing. If you care about your close friends, why not use today as way to show them how much you care. Spend some time with them, even if it is just for drinks.

Lastly, make it your day. Go out to a movie, enjoy a walk, do something that you want to do today. If all else fails, the best thing to do on Valentine’s Day, when your single, is to love yourself.

Photo by CarbonNYC on Flickr

I love Dockers pants, and they have been a fixture my wardrobe for as long as I can remember. So when I was approached with the opportunity to give away 5 pairs of Dockers Soft Khakis this Valentine’s Day, I jumped at it.

If you haven’t seen the “Dockers Men Without Pants” commercial from this year’s SuperBowl, take a moment and watch it (it’s at the end of this post, past the jump). It’s about men stepping up and wearing the pants, even though they weren’t! This Valentine’s Day, you have the chance to prove men ARE wearing the pants and that Chivalry Is Not Dead (#chivalryisnotdead)! To do this, post a comment on this post, or send me a tweet (@singlecityguy) about what you did (or for women, what a guy did for you) on Valentine’s Day, past or present. This can be anything, from making a great mixtape (hint), to a surprise romantic weekend get-away.

You have until Noon EST on Friday, February 19th, where I will then select 5 winners at random to receive a free pair of Soft Khakis (either in classic khaki or red).

Good luck guys, and show women that chivalry isn’t dead at all!

When I was younger, making a mixtape was one of the best gifts to give a girl on Valentine’s Day. It was thoughtful, required timing, creativity, and hours of planning. Days were spent waiting for a particular song to play on the radio to add it in your “perfect” collection of music. Today’s world of iTunes and pre-made Valentine’s Day Playlists has diluted the art of a “mixtape.” I believe it’s a great Valentine’s Day gift, if done right. It requires some thought, effort, and a willingness to be a bit cheesy.

Avoid using someone else’s playlist! She’ll only find it, and then yell at you. Most of them are generic and use either popular or overused songs. Your mixtape should be catered to her. Start with some of her favorite tracks that are appropriate for the mood. If this means you have to buy an MP3, what’s ninety-nine cents? Sprinkle them around in the playlist, don’t load them all upfront or at the end. Try placing one in the beginning, a few in the middle, and one in the end.

Wrap her favorite songs with a few of your favorites. The catch is, you need to be sure she’ll like your favorites. If she’s not much of hard rock fan, and you love Metallica’s “Loverman”, you may not want to avoid the song. Try finding alternatives, like the original by Nick Cave or the use the Depeche Mode cover. You may also luck out with a better song, with the same title. Billie Holiday, Shabba Ranks, and Robin Thicke have all released different songs, titled “Loverman” and may fit better towards the project.

Have fun with the music selection. I’m not suggesting you should include the Peanut Butter and Jelly Song, but a song that can be an inside joke between the two of you would work well. A Valentine’s Day mixtape is supposed to be romantic, but it should have some humor. For instance, a date and I had a joke about the song “Baby Got Back”. If I were making her a Valentine’s Day mixtape, I would include that song, but maybe towards the end.

Lastly, work within a theme. Don’t just include a series of romantic songs, work from an idea that helps frame your track listing. Something like “The Things I Love About You” where you choose songs about your favorite qualities in her, or “All The Guys Think You’re Also Cute” where you choose romantic songs about a woman, all sang by guys shows you’re creative, thoughtful, and have put thought into the process.

Photo by Leah Tihia™

Valentine’s Day is two weeks away and there’s plenty of ideas for great gifts. I always believe one of the presents a guy can get their love is something sexy. Lingerie and sexy underwear is the perfect gift, and always sets the mood. Women, you can always surprise a man by wearing something a new enticing outfit in the bedroom.

Enter, Itsy Bitsy Bra Bar. They approached me with a great deal for the month of Valentine’s Day and February! Head to their website, and use the code SingleCityGuy to receive 10% discount on your order! Itsy Bitsy Bra Bar specializes in underwear and gifts for petite women, but they also have a wide selection for women of any size.

If you need a hint at some ideas, here’s some of the best selling items on the website.

Helen Bustier
Price: $47.50
Queen of Hearts PJ pants
Price: $75.00
Silken Jewel Chemise
Price: $245.00
Getaway Massage/Lotion Kit
Price: $49.50

Tropical Heat Chemise
$50.00