**To all the lovers:**
If you are on your first date or have just started dating, the number one rule is to wear something you know you look good and comfortable in. Do not spend hours agonizing over what to wear, because you will end up looking like you tried too hard to impress your date. Also, try to avoid formal occasions and especially restaurants that are too high-end. Save the fancy ones for later and in the meantime, restaurants like Sophia’s and Bleu are more than enough to provide a relaxing yet classy setting where you two can chat casually without having to worry about all the table manners.
After dinner, you might consider taking your date to a local jazz bar, such as Murry’s. Tom Andes will be performing as their unofficial house pianist on Valentine’s Day. Craving more time to spend with your date? Drop by Hot Box Cookies, grab a few of those freshly baked goods, and take your time flipping through the “I Spy” books with your date.
If you’re in a serious relationship, you have probably seen and experienced all the ups and downs in a relationship by now: the late night phone calls, all the paranoia and unpredictable mood swings.
On Valentine’s Day, drama and (backfired) surprises can wait. Stick to the basics. It’s the effort you put into it that matters. For girls, stock up on a couple sleep wears and pamper yourself with a nice bubble bath that relaxes you and arouses all of your senses. Trust me, this will make all the difference for the night. For guys, make cute little desserts that you know she’d love. Chocolate-coated strawberries can never go wrong. We all know it’s a Monday, but it will all be worth it when you see each other’s smile at the end of the day.
**To all those ridin’ solos**
Instead of ranting to your friends about how pointless the holiday is, give yourself a break from all the bitterness and embrace the love and fun in your life. The first step is easy: dress up! Remember that just because you don’t have a plus one, that doesn’t mean you are any less attractive. Be experimental and wear whatever that appeals to you.
Now off to the second step: meet people. Come out to Mizzou After Dark’s Valentine’s Day Bash at 8 p.m. Friday in Memorial Union. Not only can you make gifts and participate in a dating game, none of the activities will make a dent in your checkbook, if you’re an MU student.
And for the single ladies, bring your gal pals with you to Room 38. The restaurant and bar, located in the heart of downtown Columbia, holds the event “Martinis & Manicures” every Monday. What’s better than having a heart-to-heart talk with your besties, while sipping a martini and enjoying manicure service for only $20?
Plus one or no plus one, the point is to stay positive and be happy. Have fun on Valentine’s Day, everyone!