Carolyn Hax: Valentine’s Day advice for couples and singles

It’s a potential minefield of a day for relationships: Valentine’s Day, the love-it-or-hate-it holiday that some celebrate as “Singles Awareness Day.” Whether you’re the champagne-and-roses type, or you’re preparing a pity party, we’ve mined the Carolyn Hax archives for some useful last-minute Valentine’s Day advice.

Newly single girl seeks solo V-Day activities

Video

From Snowmaggedon romance and dates at the Kennedy Center to falling in love on Capitol Hill, these are tales of relationships in the nation's capital. (Feb. 13)

Gallery

Great movie kisses: In honor of Valentine’s Day, a look at some of the most romantic kisses in cinema history.

Newlysingle, D.C.: Dear Carolyn —

I really value your advice and hope you can help. I broke up with my boyfriend of three years about one month ago, and am feeling a little sad about V-Day, as well as my weekend nights. First, any suggestions for what I can do tonight? I don't really like the thought of sitting at home alone, but am not sure of any activities that a woman can do by herself.

As far as the weekends go, my friends are all coupled up, and I often join them when they go out on the weekend nights. I realize I am lucky to have this outlet, but am feeling like I should not depend on them for my social life. I am just not sure there are many desirable options for a single girl out on the town by herself. (I really don't have any friends that are single).

I don't necessarily want to "pick up" anyone, just maybe meet some people. I am still healing from my breakup, but think it would be healthy for me to "get out there." I am really busy during the days and enjoy doing a lot of activities. I just find my weekend nights to be a little empty. Any ideas for this newly single 30-year-old woman?

Thanks so much! I really enjoy your chats.

Carolyn Hax: "...but am not sure of any activities that a woman can do by herself."

Anyone up for a group barf?

What happened to ... go to a movie, go to dinner, go dancing, go shopping, read a book over a foofoo coffee thing at a bookstore, work out, work, go to a concert, see a play, go to a gallery opening, annoy a bartender, take flowers to a hospital and ask if there are any sick people who haven't been visited and make an anonymous gift.

You are living in one of the liveliest, busiest, most interesting spots on Earth and you can't think of anything to do because you don't have an arm accessory for it. Puh leez.

The thoughtful Valentine gift that wasn’t

Houston, Tex.: May I ask a post Valentine's Day question? Here's the deal. My BF surprised me with a very sweet, very neat, thoughtful and creative (I thought) gift. He said he wanted to do something original, and something from the heart. I was deeply, deeply touched that he had put something together that was so cool and "out of the box." The next day, I overheard a woman in my office describing word for word the unusual present I received. I was shocked. I learned that this cute, on-of-a-kind idea of his was not original. The message was copied word-for-word from an e-mail (thanking Salvation army volunteers for their efforts) that had made the rounds. Now -- I still think the idea is sweet, and I'm still touched and grateful that he took the time to do something for me, but I'm bothered that he passed off as original something that was totally ripped-off (he is not creatively inspired, he tries hard though). Do I call him on it, or keep my mouth shut and be glad that he read the words and thought of me?