So So Gay
Image courtesy of Urban Combing
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Valentine’s Day is on its way and it’s definitely a tough time to be single (see So So Gay tomorrow and on Friday for some other single pringles’ arguments for and against the flower-fest). On the whole, here at SSG we think that Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to do something fun whether you’re single or not. Put Grindr down and read on…
1. See Cookie Monstar at Cellar Door. London’s most eye-wateringly funny drag act meets London’s most decadent subterranean cocktail bar in an explosion of witty asides, improv and showtunes. You can even meet So So Gay’s editorial team there, who will be sipping Starbucks Must Die and crying about their collective singleness (watch yourself, Matthew! – ed.). If you do go, you can also benefit from Cellar Door’s exclusive reader offer for So So Gay readers.
2. Go out on a date with yourself. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to pamper yourself without feeling guilty. Get a massage or a spa treatment (Savana Urban Spa offers a wide range of treatments for men and women), buy yourself that new outfit you’ve been eyeing up or just curl up in bed with a mug of hot chocolate and a new book. It’s also a good chance to do all of those things that you couldn’t do if you weren’t single; have a bath for as long as you want, bake a cake, rent your favourite film or eat a whole tub of ice cream.
3. Enjoy a night at a museum. The Museum of London is holding a Valentine’s Late event with open galleries where you can try out seductive Latin dance moves, make vintage Valentine cards at a paper-cutting workshop and join curators at an object-handling table to find out about some of the more risqué objects from the Museum’s storeroom. The event also features readings of short love stories from some of London’s up-and-coming gay writers and, best of all, a Valentine’s Day-themed bar. Tickets for the event are available now.
From 11 February, the Natural History Museum will be hosting a Sexual Nature exhibition which will explore the sex habits of many different species and invite visitors to experience the need for diversity when it comes to choosing a partner and the various methods of reproduction throughout the animal kingdom. Tickets are available now.
4. Volunteer for a worthy cause. While the commercial idea of Valentine’s Day is focused on lovers and partners, show some love for your community by volunteering to help out. Not only can helping others keep your mind off being single, it will leave you feeling accomplished and good about yourself. You can find local volunteering opportunities on Do-it, or ask around local charity shops, and the Alzheimer’s Society are often searching for volunteers to befriend sufferers of dementia. If you’re too busy to give up your time, give your money instead; after all, if you had a partner, you’d be spending it on them anyway. Spread the love.
5. Throw a party. Valentine’s Day can be a great time to spend time with your family and friends; remember, you’re not the only person who’s going to be single on Valentine’s Day. Plan a party or game night for you and your single friends, go bowling together or book out your favourite restaurant. Tell everyone to bring a useful, non-romantic gift and then draw the name of another guest out of a hat who can be your ‘Valentine’ for the evening. You can share dating horror stories and relationship gossip whilst spending time with people you care about. What could be better?
