There’s something about clichés that make them slightly … annoying. You’ve heard them over and over again, so they’re on the tip of your tongue. It’s easier to draw these quips from your toolbox than it is to stretch the English language, isn’t it? But c’mon: “That was a knife to the heart” − you drama queen; “I passed with flying colours” − you braggart; “It’s nothing personal” − as if.
And the pièce de résistance: “I’m single and loving it!” I bet you rolled your eyes just reading that.
This Thursday is Valentine’s Day, and if there were a way to record how many people use that cliché in the days leading up to the most arbitrarily romantic day of the year, it would break the meter.
Don’t misunderstand, though. I’m single and − you guessed it − I love it. I read somewhere that people are so concerned about being with and dating other people to wait for ‘the one’, that they forget something so obvious that it goes over their heads: to date themselves first.
It might seem odd, but it’s one of the best feelings when you’re comfortable − and excited − going to a theatre, a café or a museum just by yourself and enjoying it. After all, lovers may come and go, but we’re stuck with ourselves forever.
So you know what? Go ahead and indulge in clichés this Valentine’s Day at the Wondercool festival. If you’ve got someone you like, go ahead and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe eat chocolate for dinner at A XOXO or see ‘Beautiful Creatures’ at CinemaxX.
But if you’re not involved, don’t sit home and pout − enjoy your own company. Go and see one of the great exhibitions running in February. Check out the transformation of the Carlsberg Brewery. Listen to one of the fantastic jazz musicians playing on Thursday. Most importantly, look yourself in the mirror and tell yourself: “I’m single and loving it.”
Read the full list of events in our special Wondercool section for Feb 8-14.
