Valentine’s Day disdain conditional

Outwardly, my disgust for Valentine's Day is prominent. The aisles of candy and plastic flowers make me cringe. I don't dare to wear red or pink for most of the month. And, on the dreaded day, I avert my eyes and eagerly look forward to the subsequent days of discounted candy. But, I haven't always been a Valentine's Day hater.

As a matter of fact, in the past 10 years, I have only had disdain for the holiday when I identify with the terrible "S" word: single.

Let's face the facts. Valentine's Day is awful for single people.

The last time I celebrated V-Day was three years ago. Truth be told, it was nothing spectacular.

My now former fiancé took me out for over-priced and under-seasoned Mexican food with margaritas. At least margaritas are always good. Correction, at least tequila is always good.

Tequila was followed by my favorite movie genre: the zombie movie. I'm not actually sure Zombies qualify as a genre, but the tequila made me think it did, so why not reminisce?

And that was all. Bad Mexican food, so-so margaritas, good tequila and an even better movie. But, the oh-so-cozy feeling I got that day had little to do with what we actually did.

Instead it had everything to do with the fact that on that day, when people were taking part in mass weddings and confessing feelings in the hope of requited love, somebody loved me, too.

I don't need to feel reassured that I'm loved and wanted. I am in every way an independent and confident person. But, to put it in the most understandable and perhaps understated way possible, it's just nice.

I have no illusion the last time I celebrated this holiday, my "feel-special meter" was bouncing off the charts more than my partner's was, but knowing he hates the holiday made it more special. He tried for me.

He tried in the same way I tried "FIFA World Cup" late at night or watched "Tropic Thunder."

I didn't have to do those things, either. But, again, it's just nice.

So is the tequila, which I will likely enjoy in the corner of a dark bar this year while waxing nostalgic over bland Mexican food and zombies.