Valentine’s Day comes with high expectations that can be difficult to reach for people within smaller city limits.
This year, whether you cannot wait for Valentine’s Day or cannot wait for the day to be over, there is something for you.
LOOKING FOR LOVE
For those looking for something to cross off a bucket list, a night of speed dating on campus is available thanks to the Sociology Inquiry Society (SIS).
“Spreading the Love” is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Bowld Commons.
The Perks: This offers the potential of saying, “I went speed dating,” which will make you appear brave, adventurous and carefree.
LOOKING FOR A WORKOUT
If the cold weather is starting to make you dream of the day when coats, gloves, ice scrapers and scarves can be put away, some exercise may be a temporary remedy. Jackson Sport and Fitness is hosting “Kiss it Goodbye Valentine’s Day 5K” with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and the race beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of love.
If the thought of running makes the winter blues even worse, a one-mile walk is an alternative option. The cost is $25 to register in advance at racesonline.com or $30 on the day of the race.
The Perks: Sweatshirts are available, meaning that everyone else will recognize that you exercise, even in the cold.
LOOKING FOR UNIQUE DATE IDEAS
Local artists, food and coffee will fill 218 E. Main Street Saturday night for the second annual Indigenous Outreach International (IOI) “Date Night Downtown” from 7 to 9 p.m.
Last year, the music featured original songs as well as classic love songs. No reservations are required, and there is a suggested donation of $15 per couple at the door. Dessert will be provided by the new ComeUnity Cafe, and childcare is available upon reservation at volunteer@ioiusa.org
The Perks: This event is unique to Jackson and provides support for the local IOI ministry.
LOOKING TO STAY IN
Sometimes, the best way to spend Valentine’s Day is relaxing at home. If a day of rest is exactly what you need, there are a few indulgent options. “Despicable Me 2”, “One Direction This is Us”, “The Butler” and many others are still available at Redbox, along with episodes of “New Girl”, “Community”, and “Modern Family” free on Hulu. If a classic is more your style, “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown; A Charlie Brown Valentine” will be playing on ABC at 8 p.m.
The Perks: You can choose the emotion you would like to have for the night, and pick your television show or movie accordingly.
LOOKING TO SKIP VALENTINES DAY
Although Valentine’s Day is a highly commercialized and romanticized holiday now, some believe the day began in recognition of St. Valentine, who helped Christians escape a Roman prison and was martyred for it.
So if none of the options above are appealing, and prepping for Valentine’s Day still feels like high school prom, the best solution is to serve someone else.
Jackson has a variety of assisted living and nursing home locations that can always benefit from a smiling face, and every person you know could use a note telling them what they mean to you.
