Some Guys Have All the Luck

Everywhere you go this week, the décor is red and pink. Hearts all around. Love is in the air.

When we were younger, Valentine’s Day was a simple holiday. Make sure you pick up a card and slip it to the one you love and all was good. But in the modern world, everything is bigger; Responses are supposed to follow in kind. Jewelry. Chocolate. You name it.

I saw a box of chocolates, tonight that would feed a team!

And speaking of teams, even the St. Louis Cardinals are appealing for your Valentine’s budget with a creative marketing pitch.

It’s everywhere!

This is all well and good if you are in a romantic relationship. But if you are without a significant other, Valentine’s Week (and the big day itself) can be a real bummer.  In all the stores and even on tv, the messages are sappy sweet. Everything is just too cute.

And all you’re thinking is how Love Stinks.

If you find yourself in this category as Valentine’s Day 2015 approaches, this message is for you. Today’s edition of Coach Jeff’s Blog is dedicated to all those folks who are just trying to survive this year’s holiday because they don’t have someone to celebrate with.

Trust me, you have my sympathy. I can remember a few Februaries that were fairly desolate.

For whatever reason, when I was in high school and college, the odd numbered years were good ones when it came to romance. Strangely, even numbered years were fairly bleak. I never really understood why.

I was rolling along in the loooooove department with a fairly serious relationship in 1981, followed by another really promising one with a nice, lovely young lady. That was a great year.

Unfortunately, it all came to a crashing halt by the start of 1982. Late that year, things picked up again and ’83 was another good one romance-wise. And then, as that year drew to a close, I hit another desert as 1984 unfolded.

As bad as 82 was, ’84 was the worst. Fortunately, in 1984 Rod Stewart captured the feelings of the moment with his hit song, “Some Guys Have All the Luck.”  

It seems so unfair when there’s love everywhere but there’s none for me.

Good stuff.

In 1984, I was that guy. Fortunately, I met Lisa late that year and, from that point forward, all Valentine’s Days are great ones.

If you’re that guy (or lady) as Valentine’s Day 2015 approaches, my message for you is this: hang on. Grind it out. Get through this week.

Maybe you:

• Go to a ballgame on Saturday. 
• Plan a boys night out (or girls night out). 
  
• Or do something utterly Un-romantic.
  
• File your taxes.
  
• Pay your taxes.
  
• Go to the gym and do a robust workout.
  

Get as far away from Valentine’s Day as you can. And whatever you do, avoid the Hallmark Channel at all costs. (Sorry Mom!)

Then, once Saturday passes, you can focus on the prospects of meeting that special someone at church, at work, through a friend or even online.

Then, when Valentine’s Day 2016 rolls around, you’ll be ready to join the celebration. 

JG

Originally posted 2/9/2015