I’m currently preparing myself for SAD. And I’m not talking about Seasonal Affective Disorder, although for me it’s a beast this time of year. No, the SAD I”m talking about stands for Singles Awareness Day, the day of the year most people know as Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is one of the most commercially advertised holidays, second only to Christmas. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little sick of seeing the over-the-top red and pink motif in every store I walk into. You don’t have to lack a sweet tooth to get a little bit sick at the sight of all the love themed chocolate and candy permeating the aisles.

All the Single Ladies…

I must admit, at the risk of being cliche, it has a little bit to do with the fact that I will be single this February 14th. Now, being single isn’t bad, and Valentine’s Day (in of itself) isn’t bad. But when these two separate entities are combined once a year, it’s a recipe for bitterness and frustration.

I’m not frustrated for the reasons most single people are on Valentine’s Day. I don’t turn green with envy at the sight of mushy Valentine’s cards, talk of Valentine’s plans from my non-single friends, or the hordes of moony eyed couples that overrun every facet of entertainment in Huntsville.

Love Zombies

From movie theatres to restaurants to bars (until 11, when the singles come out to fight for space), love zombies (ie couples) are out scouring for date night spots, only the airborne virus is commercial romance.

As much as the war for space my single friends and I must wage every year during this time frustrates me, it’s not what I find irritating about Valentine’s Day. What I find truly irritating is being ignored.

As a woman in my early 20s, I’ve looked at Valentine’s-themed balls and special events and wondered “Where’s the stuff for the singles?” I mean we make up 43% of the American population! Shouldn’t something be catered towards us? I’m not trying to sound bitter, but I think all too often single people get left out of the holiday festivities.

Ignored No More!

With nowhere to turn this Valentine’s season, my friend and I have taken it upon ourselves to come up with an occasion on our own. If “V-day” had no room to cater to our single status, then “Z-day” certainly would!

For those of you that are still out of the loop on the popularity of this supernatural phenomenon, the “Z” stands for Zombie. For instance, the movie Warm Bodies comes out this Valentine’s Day (it’s technically Zombie Romance, but about zombies nonetheless) and it promises to push the boundaries of a traditional romance.

So if you’re single, or feeling a little untraditional this Valentine’s Day, why not mix it up a bit by trying something a little more on the scary and disgusting side? After all, those feelings pertain just as much to love as they do to Zombies.

Happy Z-Day!

About Our Guest Graphic Artist

Today’s blog post featured a special guest graphic artist, Daphnie Salvador. Daphnie graduated from University of Alabama in Huntsville December 2012 with a BA. Her major was Studio Art with a concentration in graphic design and a minor in Art History. Currently she works as a Graphic Artist at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. She is an avid car enthusiast and is currently building a show car. With a big passion for art Daphnie plans to start a career in it by pursuing an MFA in graduate school. Hopefully by this fall she’ll be a Graduate student! To learn more, visit her Facebook Page.