Jack Daniel’s or a Red Dress?

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE LOVELY
From the quiet stacks at the Wells Library to the hustle and bustle on Kirkwood, IU students are whispering about their latest hookup story. Every week, my confidante Nancy and I talk out our proud and embarrassing highlights — from the different worlds of a daring, eccentric party girl and a good, preppy sorority sister — because the only thing we like better than cornhole is a scandalous gab.

The difference between how Nancy and I will be spending Valentine’s Day this year is that Nancy will be sober, and I will be drunk.

Nancy has a boyfriend, and I do not.

While I have the choice of Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker or Jack Daniel’s, Nancy has the choice between a pink or a red dress. As we discussed our plans together for this upcoming Sunday, we could not help but reminisce upon some embarrassing Valentine’s Days from the past. We can almost taste those disgusting candy hearts now.

Carly's collective calamaties

— Apparently I am the Karate Kid, because my high school boyfriend “thought outside the box” and bought me a bonsai tree. He was not waxed on that night, so he had to wax off.

— To fulfill my parent’s worst nightmare, I was dating a drug dealer during 10th grade. For the romantic occasion, my Keith Richards-wannabe generously treated me to psychedelic substances. Sorry, but acid is not a girl’s best friend.

— In third grade, I was married to a freckly boy with a pet worm. It was a glorious reception, and freckle face tried to put the worm around my finger.

Nancy's notorious nostalgia

— Freshman year my boyfriend approached me at the end of the school day with a half dozen wilted school fundraiser- purchased carnations. They were almost as awkward to look at as he was, but I shouldn’t give him a hard time, seeing as I thoughtfully got him a “license to bitch” from Spencer’s and a cat collar. I thought I was being funny. I hope I never come to a full realization of how awkward I was because I will never forgive myself.

— In seventh grade on the blessed day I opened my locker to see folded papers fall to my feet. It was an intensely thought-out love poem from “a secret admirer.” I almost got a little excited until I realized one of the analogies looked familiar. It read, “Your eyes are like a diamond shining up through the sea.” My friend Leslie evidently decided to recycle her work from our poetry unit in English in her cruel V-Day joke. Nice try, bitch.

— Last, but most awkward, Valentine’s Day happened in the most uncomfortable place you can be in high school: band rehearsal. The super-creepy first chair clarinet sitting next to me had someone leave a single

— you guessed it — carnation on my music stand. When I got there and saw it he was conveniently busy away from his seat. There was a note attached requesting a date for the coming week. I managed to thank him for the flower but conveniently forgot to mention my availability.

Choose your own adventure

Last year, Nancy and I celebrated our Valentine’s Day together as two fun and single freshmen in college. We curled our hair, slipped on bright red dresses and shared a bottle of red wine, of course. Our night led us to the Villas apartments where we danced without a care in the world.

If you had told us then what we would be doing this weekend, we would have laughed at you in disbelief.

A very good guy has managed the impossible by making Nancy his girlfriend. I give him credit for handling her sass and hope he can top our hazy night at the Villas.

As long as he does not give her acid or carnations, he will be fine.

Although separated from my partner in crime, I will also be managing a surprising feat. Besides last year with Nancy, I have always had a boyfriend to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

This year when I think about this romantic holiday, I wonder if anyone will confess their affections. However, since John Mayer will probably not be throwing rocks at my window, I have made plans to go tubing with friends.

Oh, and get very intoxicated. Oops, am I repeating myself already?

Whether or not you are in a relationship, the trick to enjoying Valentine’s Day is simple: Spend it with someone that makes you feel good. Indulge a little just because it is a holiday. Make love fun and turn the day into an adventure.

Whatever your circumstances, Valentine’s Day is what you make of it.