Valentine's Day was last week, or as its becoming known in some circles, Singles' Awareness Day.  Many singles have attempted to take the mid-February focus off of happy couples, and are using February 14 to gather together and celebrate - or mourn - their single status.  Singles are sending themselves flowers and chocolates and looking for fun alternatives to Valentine's Day than romantic dates. 

I went out to eat with my single friends on Valentine's Day this year to a popular chain restaurant (as per my dear friend Sue's request; she loves chains), and we did not spend any time bemoaning our lack of boyfriends.  Being a part of a couple is absolutely wonderful, but being single certainly does not mean that one's life is empty.  I've never understood people who dread Valentine's Day as some sort of Day of Doom.  If nothing else, we all need SOMETHING to celebrate in the middle of February, and expressions of love and appreciation from close friends can mean as much as a romantic gesture from a boyfriend or girlfriend.  It is so great when people can be fulfilled and happy without having to be desperate for a relationship.

Of course, everyone can use a little romance in their lives.  Some of my favorite romantic movies to watch around Valentine's Day - or any time of the year are:

Love Actually

Casablanca

The Philadelphia Story

Say Anything

When Harry Met Sally

The Princess Bride

Annie Hall

Gone With the Wind

Amelie

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Roman Holiday

Singin' in the Rain

West Side Story