Movin' and Shakin'... Keepin' Y'all in the Loop

The past few weeks have certainly been a whirlwind... and for that I am truly grateful!  Ever since the book launch celebration held on February 28th, 2012, WHY SHOULD MEN HAVE ALL THE FUN?! has been rippin' and runnin' all over the southern and eastern coast.

The first stop was a signing held on March 3rd at The Cup in Atlanta, Georgia.  A fun event involving gourmet cupcakes, desert wine, port and a very interesting conversation with a book club who happened to be there to discuss another book they had read.  Curiosity led them to not only ask questions about WHY SHOULD MEN HAVE ALL THE FUN?!,  but we also exchanged witty repertoire regarding the position of women and their ability (or lack thereof) to date multiple people at the same time.  What made the dialog so engaging were varied opinions shared by both young men and women within this book club.  It was a fabulous time, and kudos to the book club for their interest as well as all of those who attended this special debut event.


Next stop, Houston Texas.  April 14th, 2012 was the day of the 5th Annual Houston Indie Book Fest.  Authors, publishers and lovers of indie books all converged upon Menil Park to participate in this fabulous event that pulled in a huge crowd. I think it's probably safe to say that the perfect, sunny 80 degree weather may have had a little bit to do with attracting book lovers to this fabulous outdoor event.

In between book signings and festivals was the tremendous opportunity to be interviewed by radio hosts, Ms. K, The Diva and Deacon Boss on the popular radio show, TALKIN' DA BIZ.  Although the conversation was mainly focused on WHY SHOULD MEN HAVE ALL THE FUN?!,  the premise and thought process behind the books purpose was widely discussed. I can't speak for the show's host, but I can honestly say that I had an amusing time.  Feel free to click on the underlined link to hear our discussion. Heartfelt thanks goes out to Ms. K for the invitation, as well as The Diva and Deacon Boss for the compelling and enjoyable conversation.

The latest signing, on the Rutgers University Campus in Newark, NJ was held on April 28th. The 1st Annual Harlem Book Festival was in full effect as it began at 10am to a "brisk" 45 degree morning.  It was thrilling to be back in the area where I grew up, for the first time in almost seven years.  The fact that I left 80 degree weather in Atlanta, was by no means a deterrent, but honestly speaking, my poor fingers were so frozen that there was no way to hold a pen... much less sign books.  Saving the day was the quick-thinking of my beautiful and brilliant niece, La Sha, who rescued my fingers simply by remembering she had hand warmers in the trunk of her car. Those hand warmers ended up being a life saver, since the high for the day ended up being a warm 58 degrees.  Yet still another highlight early on in the day was prompted by a young male psychology major who was genuinely interested in the thought process behind the book.  A very progressive and independent thinker whose opinions were not just encouraging to me, but uniquely obliging to the women he befriends. He also happened to be my first sale of the day.  Kudos to you, Dominic!  I sincerely thank you for your support!

This road isn't over. Not by a long shot. There is certainly more to do, much more work to be done.  This is just the beginning! I've been asked to do more radio interviews, and working currently to get this book into local indie bookstores in Atlanta and Austin. The marketing charge is also in full effect. It hasn't been an easy road, but it goes to show that if you only believe, with prayer, hard work, and the faith of a mustard seed,  you can be successful at anything you set your mind to.

“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

Here's to the pursuit of dreams and happiness.  For more on photos, updates, and reviews go to WhyShouldMenHaveAllTheFun.com.


WHY SHOULD MEN HAVE ALL THE FUN?! is currently available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com in both paperback and e-reader versions. Fingers crossed, it should also be coming soon to an indie book store near you!

Do you Have A Spare Tire???

Do you listen to Blog Talk Radio??? For those who do not know what it is, Blog Talk Radio is a web-based platform that allows callers to host a live call-in Internet broadcast without the use of complicated or expensive equipment.  All that is needed simply a computer and a phone. As a listener, you listen the same way you would traditional radio...just on your computer. Cool, huh???

Well admittedly, I had never listened in until recently. While preparing for my upcoming interview, I thought it might behoove me to do a bit of research, so I might have a better an idea of what I could be in store for.

While listening to the show, I heard a guy confirm being involved in a committed relationship and also admit to having a spare tire... aka the fall guy or fall girl in this case. You could call it someone who you know will be there whenever you call.  It could also be known as the number in the black book that never gets erased. The person you call whenever for whatever... and they are there for you.  Are you that girl???

And while the two female co-hosts argued all the various reasons why this is all kinds of wrong... I couldn't help the pure frustration I experienced while listening in. Yes, it is all kinds of wrong and yes all of their points were 100% valid, at least from the female perspective. But the listener side of me just wanted to shake them both scream back at my computer screen... "DID YOU REALLY HEAR WHAT HE JUST SAID TO YOU???" Sadly, I don't think they really heard him.

He's got a spare tire and in so many words... he's not getting rid of her. He's not asking for permission... he's telling you what he's got! As the banter continued back and forth, at the end of the day, the points his co-hosts argued will not make him go home and change his evil ways. This is just one of the many reasons "WHY MEN HAVE ALL THE FUN!"  Men know how to put their needs first. And while we ladies may not necessarily agree with this viewpoint,  He's still gonna do what he does...that's just what men do.

Now my question is...

How many men think the same way?  My guess is probably quite a few.

Then my next question is... Why aren't more women doing this too?  Just another guess, but I would venture to say that there are probably far more men than there are women with spare tires.

Now that we are aware that there is a possibility that this could be the case with your man... do you as women subscribe to the theory... If you can't beat 'em... join 'em!  Now that you are armed with a bit more information than you had yesterday...how do you intend to use it?  Do you file it away in your mental filing cabinet, never to be seen again until it slaps you in the face when it pops up again, leaving you surprised and unprepared?  Or do you flip that script ladies... and go out to get you one too? Maybe you already have one...  Whatever you decide, just don't end up like the guy in the picture posted above.  Clearly,  he didn't have a spare when he needed one... and he looks like he could have used one!

Two wrongs may not make it right... but it certainly does give us an even playing field!

Here's a link for tomorrow nights show (Wednesday 9pm EST/6pm PST)...
"Talkin' Da Biz w/ Ms. K and Diva"

Hope you'll be joining us!!!

Better Than A Boyfriend???

Anyone who has ever loved a dog has experienced that feeling of sheer excitement your dog has for you when return home from a rough day at the office.  Just the adorable way his whole body shakes as he swiftly wags his tail or that apparent smile on his face as his tongue hangs out of his mouth. He doesn’t care where you’ve been or why you stayed out so late.  He's just thrilled to see you…no questions asked!  It warms my heart just thinking about my dog's sheer unconditional love for me.

Well as it turns out, woman’s best friend may just be better for you than your husband or boyfriend.  Anecdotal and scientific evidence shows that dog owners (and pet owners in general)  tend to be healthier than the average person. Think I am crazy? Well think about this…


Better than Drugs for High Blood Pressure-
Yes, it’s true. While ACE inhibiting drugs can generally reduce blood pressure, they aren’t as effective on controlling spikes in blood pressure due to stress and tension. However, in a recent study, groups of hypertensive New York stockbrokers who got dogs or cats were found to have lower blood pressure and heart rates than those who didn’t get pets. When they heard of the results, most of those in the non-pet group went out and got pets!


Take Me Outside Mommy-
It’s no secret that dogs require walking and frequent exercising, forcing owners to be more active too.  According to a 2010 study in the American Journal of Public Health, people with dogs spent more time doing moderate to vigorous physical activity than those without.  Canadian researchers found that dog owners walked an average of 300 minutes per week, compared with non-dog owners, who walked an average of 168 minutes per week.  This doesn’t take into consideration the frequent games of catch or trips to the dog park.  Who knew?

Bad Mood?
Ever try hugging your dog after a bad day at work?  For those who love animals, it’s virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood when a pair of loving puppy eyes meets yours. Research supports the mood-enhancing benefits of pet ownership as they followed a group of men with HIV/AIDS and discovered they were less likely to suffer from depression if they owned a pet.


Got Stress?
Did you know that the simple act of just playing with Max or Sheba can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, causing you to calm and relax.  And while we all know the power of talking out your issues with friends and family who’s also a good listeners, recent research shows that spending time with a pet may be even better. Researcher have proven that when one is  conducting a task that’s stressful, people actually experienced less stress when their pets were with them than when a supportive friend or even their spouse was present.  Probably because we all know that our pets don’t judge us; they just love us.

Lonely?
Not that I would ever advocate using your canine as a "Man-Magnet," but try taking your dog to the dog park or your favorite dog-friendly restaurant.  Dogs have shown time and time again that they have a funny way of bringing people together.  Almost every time Maxamole' and I enjoy a day out on the town, complete strangers (both men and women) stop us to chat. It also doesn't hurt that he's so darn cute...and friendly too. Not lonely?  Well, even I was surprised to learn that people with pets enjoy superior self-esteem,  and suffer less depression due to an optimistic mindset that companionship with animals engenders. Now for, this explains a lot.


Unconditional Love-
Speaking if that powerful four letter word... This is probably the best reason of all to own a dog. The man in your life may tell you he loves you, but is it unconditional? Pets can be there for you in ways that your man can’t. They can offer love and companionship, and can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent at snuggling. If there is no one special in your life at the moment, then consider your furry friend to be the best antidote to combat loneliness. In fact, research shows that nursing home residents reported less loneliness when visited by dogs than when they spent time with other people. They didn't even have to own their furry little friends.

Did I mention that dogs have been known to detect low blood sugar?  Or how about detecting various types of cancer in their owners, when even their owners didn't suspect anything was wrong? And the list doesn’t stop there.  I'd be remiss if I didn't include those dogs that are trained to help those with other health issues such as autism, seizures or the service dogs that assist with blindness.

I'll be the first to admit that dog ownership isn't for everyone.  Outside of the sheer dedication that is required to be a responsible pet owner, just the time, patience and financial obligation is enough to make you want to pull your hair out. The expense of pet ownership can be much more than you think. If it's not the hours of rug cleaning from house training, then it could be the replacement of your favorite shoes because Sonny found a new chew toy.  But at least in my experience, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Now,  if I could only get my man to be just like my dog... life could truly be Heaven on Earth!!!  Hmmmmm???  I might be on to something...

The Art of the Pick Up Line...

You happen to maneuver your shopping cart turning down aisle three when you come across an adorable specimen, standing in front of the organic breakfast cereal, that is just too resistible to let walk away. You manage to get a good look at both hands, and happen to notice that he's NOT wearing a wedding ring, NOR is there a sign of a tan line on either ring finger.  The realization of this fact begins to make you nervous and your palms get hot and sweaty.  At this moment you realize that you are starting to get flush in the face and before your anxiety makes you appear as though you are running a fever. Do you…


(A) Decide that you are just too shy to make a move and you continue walking down the isle letting a perfectly great opportunity get away?

(B) Get his attention by asking..."Remember me? Oh, that's right, I've met you only in my dreams."

(C) Wait until he reaches for a cereal box to ask..."Is that a really good cereal?" and finish with your best smile?

My fingers are crossed that you didn’t chose either “A” or “B.” In my earnest heart of hearts, I believe that the art of the pick up line is to simply not have a line at all. All those cheesy and sometimes sexist one-liners are not enough to get you to first base if you aren’t approaching him (or anyone for that matter) with sincerity.  The best one-liners aren’t one-liners at all but rather icebreakers or conversation starters that help you to make that initial approach.  Truth be told, if your too shy to make that initial approach, then a quick glance combined with a great smile might be all that you need to walk away with his phone number.

Many of my male counterparts have mentioned time and time again that they are not just flattered but for the most part relieved, when a woman makes the first move.  Not only is it an ego booster for them, they will more times than not, return the flirtation because of your effort.

Making the first move isn’t at all where this thing ends. On the contrary, it is only the beginning. Understand that your follow up is even more important than the initial approach. What good will it do to get him to engage in conversation if you don’t seal the deal with a phone number?

For example: Your delectable hottie of a specimen, standing in front of the organic breakfast cereal looks like he’s pretty fit and one could safely assume that he probably takes decent care of his body.  So do you…

(A) Thank him for his advice on the cereal and tell him to have a nice day before you walk away?

(B) Compliment him on his fit stature and tell him that you’d like to get his ideas on eating organic and staying fit?


(C) Admit that you only asked him about the cereal because you think he’s adorable, and could care less about the damn cereal?

In this case either B or C would work, but if you really want to get to know him better, I would suggest flattery because simply put, flattery could get you there.  In this case I’d suggest B. but don’t assume that the flattery will win him over.  If you don’t think he’s fit… then by all means, don’t say that. If your not comfortable with that, then come up with something else that flows off your tongue a bit better.  Never be fake about it! Always be genuine about your intent, because I promise you that if you are not, it could bite you in the butt later on when you are least expecting it. Alternatively, should you fess up and admit your true motive, you could be mistaken for a “player,” and then not be taken seriously. As a woman, trust me when I say this is not a good look. In this case, honesty combined with a bit of seduction is the best policy, and even if he doesn’t surrender his phone number, you can be comforted by the fact there is probably a smile on your face and have probably made his day.  Not half bad for five minutes worth of work.

I think the point here is…if you don’t try, you’ll never know what works for you.  I have found circumstances where all that was needed was a bit of eye contact and a smile.  In other cases, drumming up a full-fledged conversation combined with a few “off the cuff” moments of laughter sealed the deal.  But you’ll never know if you aren’t willing to move outside your box and give it a try. The key here is making the effort.

Trust and believe that this will not work 100% of the time.  Get it in your head that this will take some work to naturally flow off your tongue, and you may be faced with a bit of rejection.  But what ever you do, understand that rejection in no way means that you must give in the towel.  You’ve heard the saying… “If at fail you don’t succeed, try, try again!”  In this case, practice makes perfect.  Challenge yourself to see how successful you can be by trying to get the number. Make it a game… can I get 5 telephone numbers this weekend???

My advice…shoot for the moon!  If you miss… then at least you’ll be amongst the stars!  Oh… and HAPPY SURFING!!!

35 Places to Help You Discover Where the Men Are

“I would love to date more than one man at a time… but I can’t even find one, much less date more than one!”

I hear this a lot.  It frustrates me to no end when I hear these words, because it doesn’t take much to figure out that men are EVERYWHERE!  I don’t think the question is…”Where are the men?” as much as the question should…”What can I do to get their attention?!” 

I bring up the point because I’m not convinced that a special effort needs to be made in order to meet men on your own turf.  Don’t believe me?  Look around you… men are in our grocery stores, gyms and work places.  They are in our banks, our dry cleaners and even our eateries.  They shop in our malls, they purchase gasoline from the same gas stations, and even get mani’s and pedi’s from the same nail shops… and often not all gay! Go figure!  So exactly how is it that we’ve missed the boat?

Perhaps it is not the result of what we see or where we go as much as it is the questions we ask?  It is my belief that the importance lies in how to get their attention, no matter where they may be.  But because I have been inundated with where they men are… I think we’ll save the topic of how to address them for a later date.  So, you wanna know the best places to find men…???

UNDER YOUR NOSE-

I mentioned this earlier… they really are everywhere!  Are you looking?  Try a casual perusal around the next time you walk to your car in the Target or Wal-Mart parking lot. I wouldn’t lie to you, they really are there! 

WORKOUT CENTRAL-

Have you checked out the free weight area of you local gym? OMG! They are all there! Short ones, tall ones, bulky ones, cute ones and everything in between.  At my gym, they always gravitate here, and some are even on mission while others try to make it a meat market. But don’t fret… working out after 5 pm brings out all kinds so the sky is the limit!

IN THE MARKET FOR ELECTRONICS?

What guy do you know doesn’t have a liking for a gadget of some sort? Have you paid a visit to your local Apple store lately? Best Buy? So maybe your budget can’t accommodate a new TV, Blu-Ray player or hard drive.  But there’s nothing wrong with window shopping until such time as the need arises.  And the best part is… you don’t even need to know what you’re looking for. Just grab the best looking male that catches your attention and ask the question.  He doesn’t even need to be a salesperson for you to be provided with an answer…who says it even needs to be the right answer?

GOT SPORTS?

I suggest this one judiciously, because this one can really bite you in the buttocks if you are not careful!  Ladies, find a sport that you have a GENUINE interest in, and please do a bit of research before visiting the sports bar or venue of your choice.  Knowing something about what you came to see can really be the difference between a sincere connection, and a guy’s exposure to your true authenticity.  Don’t believe me?  Try walking into a sports bar with heels and a tube top versus the jersey of your favorite team and see how you are treated!  It may not be pretty… so just a warning! The only place that may grant you a break could be a tailgate event, but even then, if you aren’t a die hard fan, you’ve been forewarned!

CAR SHOWS-

Whether your in the market for a new vehicle or not, this is one place that brings out men of all kinds.  Maybe you missed this years event… keep an eye out for the next Boat Show, RV/ Camping / Hunting Expo, or Gun Show.  Maybe that’s not your thing… but maybe you're the outdoorsy rock climbing, kayaking or motorcycles.  I promise you, there is an app for that. 

DOG PARKS-

I gotta say, of all of the place that I frequent, this has to be one of my favs!  It’s not that I love an opportunity to pimp out my dog… but if I can find a guy who loves his dog as much as I do, then we could have a winner on my hands.  How easy is it to meet at the local dog park for your first date? But a word of caution, DO NOT make the first date a picnic at the dog park!  Can you say disaster?

HONORABLE MENTIONS-

While we are on the subject of sports, lets not forget the sporting good stores that supply the needs of the hobbies we frequent.  And while I understand that they may be regional… Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, REI, Academy, Bass Pro Shop and Cabella’s are just a few of the ones that provide a wide selection of equipment.  Don’t forget about the smaller local suppliers and specialty shops (IE: bike  or skateboard shop) that can bring out experts of all kinds. While we are at it, does your employer sponsor a golf tournament or a baseball league? This just may be an opportunity for you to have a little lit of fun while creating an opening for yourself.

Not into sports?  Consider the coffee shops near your city’s financial center.  Another decent suggestion?  If you’re a traveler, why not try your airport? I’m sure you’ll find a bit more than the local janitor or the guy behind the news counter, although I have seen a few hot janitors during my travels as well.  Need more suggestions, what about your industry business conference? Although, just a word of caution, you might end up finding more married men on the prowl than single one’s looking for relationships.  Got a hobby? Try Meetup.com. It is a great resource for finding like- minded people. Lastly, wanna give your home that much needed face-lift?  Try the local home improvement store such as Lowe’s or Home Depot.  From the plumbing aisle, to lumber, flooring and every place in between you’ll have access to everyone from the contractors that use those supplies to the do it yourself kind of guy.  And last but not least, if all else fails, online dating sites are definitely viable options with a decent selection of like minded men who may just want the same things you do. Tired of Match.com or not wanting to complete the complicated questionnaire of E-Harmony? Newer sites such OkCupid, POF, Zoosk and Singles.net may just provide a whole new gene pool of fresh meat to choose from.

Well, there you go!  Now go out there and get to work!

My Baby Is BORN!

Okay, Okay!  So I didn't actually give birth to a living soul, but this thing that I have been living a breathing for the past several years, has finally come to life!

In its entirety, this collection of dating stories and dating lessons learned is a culmination of the eight years in the making.  It's  been a long and arduous journey, but I knew in my heart that the point had to be made. No matter how long it took, I was bound and determined that tradition would not get the best of me...or any other women for that matter. When yesterdays society dictations are no longer appropriate for today's society, then somethings gotta change.

What I mean is... by tradition, marriage was the standard that all should strive for.  Some experts feel that past social norms and gender relations have caused women to be preprogrammed to want marriage. I too fell victim to such programming.  Barbie and Ken along with my Easy Bake Oven made it easy for me to fall into that romanticized vision of getting married and living happily ever after.  In my early years, I wasn't as cognizant as Little Riley, to recognize the marketing trickery of big business.  I did think that all girls wanted to be pink princesses. Unbeknown to me, Little Riley would now become one of my super heroes.

Just because a girl doesn't get married doesn't mean that she should feel like a failure.  Everyday I hear stories from women who feel inadequate simply because they are still single.  Many times I am confronted with that dreaded questions..."Why are you still single?"... as if to imply that it is some type of curse.  Today, my answer is almost always..."Why not?  What's wrong with being single?" Not that I am against marriage, by any means.  On the contrary. It took me a while to realize that marriage is just one branch on my tree of life.  Most trees have many branches, and even those branches can have many limbs extending off of them. Those branches represent the many options that life has to offer. And the beauty in all of this is... not one tree looks the same. Sure there are apple trees or maple trees and even weeping willows. They may bear the same fruit, but no tree is exactly alike.

It wasn't until I decided to explore the male perspective on dating, that I realized how right they actually  are. Being on the receiving end of men's dating mishaps, can make it hard to see the good that can come from the male perspective. Should you be able to separate yourself from the lies and deceit that women are often exposed to, and replace it with honesty, then it's not hard to see that they may be on to something. Only then is it easy to see that men tend not to apply the same pressures to themselves as do women, and take on a more relaxed approach to dating.  They typically do not sum up a woman on the first date to determine if she is marriage material.  They simply want to go out and enjoy a woman's company.  That's it.  There is no expectation.  They don't make things complicated.  There is no implication of exclusivity. It's all about having a good time.  At least initially anyway.

But times are in fact changing. The numbers of available men are dwindling.  CNN recently reported that there are only 88 single men to every 100 single women.  To add insult to injury, many women also find themselves living in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, D.C. and Atlanta, where  the single pool of women largely outweigh the number of single men. Women are finding themselves in single status due to no fault of their own, and its becoming a phenomenon that no one can control.  Situations such as unemployment, gay or bi-sexual preferences for men, contribute to the pool of undesirable mates, leaving women without many options.  Like it or not, a new societal tradition is rearing its ugly head.

When forced to tackle the question of "What if I never get married?" over eight years ago, I found nothing available to comfort my broken heart. Instead, I was flooded with the many ways to find Mr. Right.  Confused but yet determined to find another option, my discovery lead to the birth of my baby, "Why Should Men Have All The Fun?!"

What I've discovered is that life without marriage can be fabulous! In fact, many of my married friends contend the same.  But the purpose here is to encourage single women to live the life they have always dreamed of, with or without a mate.  Realizing that all everyone really wants is companionship, then they are encouraged to explore the male perspective by taking a more casual approach, throwing away that old notion that the outcome of dating must be marriage.

So with that thought in mind, I am challenging women to seek the adventure in dating. Try dating outside your dating box by traveling to a new city to explore a new pool of men. Maybe explore interracial dating. And even better still, try dating more that one man at a time. Be safe, but have fun.  It just might be the most fun a single girl could ever have.

"Why Should Men Have All The Fun?!" is now available on:

Amazon.com:  https://www.amazon.com/author/djjohnson

CreateSpace E-store: https://www.createspace.com/3559874

The Kindle version will also be available within the next few weeks.

Blessings to you all!

Don't Be a Valentine's Day Sucker

I am usually pretty irritated whenever someone I do not know decides that I need to hear his or her personal telephone conversation. Its equally frustrating when the noise pollution you chose not to hear is forced upon you at a time when you can't get away.  Such was the case at the gym today.  

With my ear buds in and my music at full range, the annoying declarations of the adorable skinny brunette on the treadmill next to me, began to work my last nerve.  Not so much because she was having a full fledged conversation on her iPhone without as much as breaking a sweat much less having a hard time breathing, but because she was whining about another Valentine’s Day without a Valentine. Are you kidding me???

And while it was all I could do to not knock her off that treadmill and shake her to her senses, I managed to contain myself long enough to at least hear her out…since I really didn’t have a choice in the matter anyway. The more I listened, the more enraged I became. 

Didn’t she understand the Valentine’s Day was invented for all the shmucks that don’t do what they are required to do every other single day of the year?  You don’t get one day to prove your love to me… your supposed to do that EVERY DAY!!!   Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that everyday should be filled with flowers, candy and un-dying declarations of love, but the pressures of this day would not need to stress us out if we did our jobs as partners, lovers and friends. Call me crazy, but I would rather you make me a fantastic dinner with wine on a random Wednesday night, then to spend $200 on Valentine’s night.  Now that’s what I call special.

And while I understood her point about not having a Valentine on this particular day, should it really matter that much to us anyway??? Not that her feelings are not valid.  I get it. Everybody wants to be loved.  But does that make you any less of a person if you don’t have a date on this particular day?  You just worked off 600 calories at the gym only to put it back on eating that gift box of high priced chocolates. And those over-priced roses will die at the same rate as the one’s that will be bought next week for $30 less.  Why can’t you be your OWN Valentine…I thought to myself.  If it means that much to you, then buy yourself the candy and the flowers.  Take yourself out for that special dinner.  Or better yet…why not treat it as any other day???

But should you decide to venture out on this night, here are a few suggestions that might help you go it alone:

Try the gym- I can all but guarantee that a visit to the gym on Valentine’s night might prove to be invaluable, as chances are, you won’t be the only single person there. Put on your best smile and check out the weight room. See anything you like? Not only will you get the opportunity to work off the valentine chocolate you ate at the office, but you just might be the perfect piece of eye candy for someone else.

Care for a beer?  Now that the Super Bowl has been played and football is in the wind, it’s on to the next one. February is basketball season and there is a good chance that there is a game on somewhere. If he’s at the local sports bar watching the game, chances are he’s single too.

Better Yet… Is there a Game in Town? Check your local basketball or hockey team schedule to see if there is a game in town.  While there may be a few couples there that bought tickets to celebrate the night, I bet there will be a few single guys there too, just kickin' it because the game is in town.

Just maybe I blew an opportunity to school the adorable skinny brunette on the treadmill, by not shaking some sense into her.  If I had it to do all over again, I would tell her not to be a Valentine’s day Sucker.  Don’t give into the pressure, but love yourself enough to make the day work for you.  Then I would slap the iPhone out of her hand and tell her to take her whiny conversation someplace else.