It is that day of the year when love is in the air, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and the colours red and pink are considered hot! Yes, Valentine's Day is round the corner and Mr. Cupid is on the prowl... yet again. Sigh, too much mush, is it?

Well, if the sight of smitten couples turn you off, welcome to my clan of singletons. I represent quite a large percentage of men who are single but not ready to mingle or should I say, don't have any other choice?

OK, this is my story from being sad to becoming proud of my single status.

When I was in college, I thought that only a woman could complete a man. But was I wrong! I truly hadn't appreciated how lucky I was. As Valentine's Day approached, my friends with dates fretted over the perfect sting for a date or struggled to make ends meet for an expensive gift. I, however, enjoyed deep sleep and peace of mind. Thank god, I didn't fall into the trap called love.

So now that I have proved that we singletons are better than those sentimental fools, it's time to celebrate our superiority. After all, Valentine's Day, if not anything else, is a day for love. So we 'singles' ought to get together to do what we love.
For some personalised fun, check out our to-do list for people in the singles club:

1. Boys' night out: Girls can never party like boys. So gather all your single guy friends and go out partying. You can also visit your favorite hang-out (Adda). Nothing beats hanging out with friends, drinking like no tomorrow. Plan out one such get-together today.

2. It's a guys thing: When was the last time you saw your favorite action or sci-fi flick? So bid adieus to those chick flicks and rent your favorite DVDs for a night of movie bonanza. Some of my faves: The Usual Suspects, Fight Club, The Matrix, Braveheart and The Sting. If firang stuff isn't what you're aiming at, check out desi flicks: Satya, Jane Bhi Do Yaaron or Sholay.

3. Log on now! You could simply scrap and chat with everybody you know, or you try something new and different. Have a computer game tournament over Local Area Network (LAN). Some of my friends are trying out something new. Guys from all different countries are meeting on the web at a fixed time, with video cameras on; they will have a live e-party!

4. Me, myself and music: All you have to do is, put your earplugs on. Don't rely on FM channels; they will be crying out romance. Keep your favorite music installed in your mobile or I-pod and rock the night away.

5. Not so fast food: Everybody has a favorite dish. If you hop to a restaurant, couples will surround you. Plus, it will be expensive. So, best bet is to do try something different...cooking maybe? If you already know how to cook your favorite dish, nothing like it. Else, download the recipe from the Net. Also, if it is your first attempt, keep some back-up food, in case this attempt does not go 'as-per-plans'. You certainly don't want to have a hungry Valentine.

6. Pamper yourself: Who said that pampering is a girl's domain? This time you do what makes your feel better. Look at yourself in the mirror and hold on for a few seconds. Is it time to change the hairstyle? Will a funky tattoo work wonders for you? This is your golden opportunity to indulge in some unadulterated fun.

While these were just some of the fun 'n happy ways to help you not feel like an outsider on February 14th, nothing comes close to being with your special someone. So, resolve to have a partner by your side next year. Good Luck!
Till the, if you have something to share or tell your single friends, e-mail your ideas to us: feedback@intoday.com.