Let's just admit to ourselves right now: if you're single on Valentine's Day, it may make you feel bitter. And not in the really good, bitter chocolate kind of way. Valentine's is so heavily commercialized nowadays that it can be difficult to avoid all the signs pointing to the fact that you're alone. The cutesy, overly-decorated cards with sayings you'll never actually say? Check. The restaurants that cater to couples who'll pay for overpriced meals just because everyone else is? Double check.
I don't know about you, but as a single woman on Valentine's Day, I say heck no to that. Just because you may not have someone to make goo-goo eyes at (does anyone still use that phrase?), why should this occasion mean any less for you? What do you have to feel bitter about, when you're already such an amazing, confident and live-life-to-it's-fullest kind of woman? Valentine's Day is just like any other day you'll be single on – although, you'll be more aware of it thanks to the aforementioned signs. Instead of beating ourselves up over such a ridiculous standard, I say it's time we turn that bitterness into the really good, chocolatey goodness kind. You know that bag of candy, piece of cake or heart-shaped cookie you've been eyeing? Go for it. Don't mind the fact that you're buying it for yourself; rather, revel in that.
Whether you believe me or not, Valentine's Day as a single woman can be just as amazing as if you had someone to share it with. You don't always need that “special someone”, because more often than not, you are already your own special person. Does that sound crazy or even more cliched then that last Valentine's card you saw at Target? Maybe. But I've been single for more Valentine's Days then I can account for, and every one has been better then the last. If you're feeling extra bold, take yourself out on your own date. Confidence is sexy and there's no reason you shouldn't be strutting that sexiness any day of the year—including Valentine's Day.
As if the Goddess of Single-dom was already aware of this, The Chocolate Cafe situated on a cozy downtown corner of Fort Collins, Colorado is ready to answer chocoholic prayers. In the same way that you can be single and adore Valentine's Day, The Chocolate Cafe boasts a range of desserts that will satisfy every palette—whether it's lighthearted sweetness or bitter espresso flavors that you're after. Would it be overkill to mention the featured wines and decadent martinis they serve? Nope, not on this holiday. As you bite into a piece of Chocolate Raspberry Torte or sip on a Pomegranate Martini, I guarantee that the last thing you'll be thinking about is your relationship status. And if you are, you obviously aren't enjoying the dessert the way it should be enjoyed!
Cupid's arrow will hit you soon enough. If it doesn't happen to be before or on Valentine's Day, so what. There will always be the day after, and the day after that. Rather then let yourself get caught up in the insanity of simply not being alone, take the time to enjoy your own company. After all, it's only when we learn to be enough on our own that we have anything worth giving to someone else. The rest is just frosting on an already fabulous piece of cake.
The Chocolate Cafe is located at
102 W. Olive, Fort Collins, CO.
970.482.2725
website
Some Must-Try Treats:
Espresso Tower ($8)
A Light and Fluffy Dessert with a Chocolate Cake base, Followed with an Espresso Mousse and topped with Ganache
Chocolate Ravioli ($7)
Warm Chocolate and Hazelnut in Crisp Wrapper, Dusted with Sweet Cocoa and Served with Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Chocolate Noire ($8)
A Truly Rich Gluten-Free Chocolate Dessert Covered in a Dark Chocolate Ganache Served with Raspberry Sherbert
Tiffany Harrison is wannabe time-traveler, tea-drinking anglophile who considers Jane Austen her BFF and guide to life. She enjoys traveling the world, promoting international education through her job at <GoAbroad.com, meeting new people, and always taking time for a cup of Lady Grey tea. Read more of her work at <What Would Jane Do?