I've been reading on my personal blog lately that some of my single friends are starting to feel really left out, now that Valentine's Day is rolling around again. (No thanks to the Burgundy Box or the "Teddies By Phone" commercials.) I've been there myself, so I completely understand. No matter what you try to say to yourself, being alone on a holiday that is all but designed for couples can feel rather lonely. This is when you whip out the phone book and start making some calls! After all, isn't that what friends are for?
Here's a quick list of places to get together with some friends and spread that love! All around! All around! Woot! Woot!
Diversey Rock N' Bowl - This bowling alley is just so much fun to hang out at! You can grab a beer, order up some munchies, get a little active and a whole lot chatty! And besides, there's no predisposition here about having to be accompanied by a significant other.
Thousand Waves Spa - Ladies! Go ahead and love yourselves unconditionally! There is just no better place to kick back and relax with your girlfriends than here. I love this place, because there is no prerequisite about only girlie girls being permitted, so the intimidation level is way low. Soak, pamper, rinse and repeat.
(Oh and guys - I hear the Division St. Russian and Turkish Baths in Wicker Park is your perfect un-foux foux equivalent! Bring your own shower slippers!)
Quenchers - This is one bar I highly recommend, as the bar trolls are kept on the low down and the atmosphere is just plain fun! The bartenders are very nice, the prices are reasonable, and I'll say it again, tots just plain rock! And hey - the bands playing that night sound rather interesting (Sexfist and Swampcandy, anyone?)
The Exit - If it's Thursday night, it must be Bondage A Go Go! And if it's V. Day, you just know the performance is going to be something Special! Get dressed up in your funkiest and be prepared to party hard! There is simply no better place to go people watching than here, or to simply admire the rockin' atmosphere! And hey, the drink specials ain't half bad, neither!
Of course, you can always have a little get together at your house and rent up a couple good action or comedy movies on DVD. Keep it festive and fun, and don't forget to not overdo it - you still have to work the next day!