Valentine's Day: Laughter is the best medicine

Like many single Americans, I re-downloaded a dating app in the new year. And boy, this might be my last year as a single lady.

The first message I received said, “Did you know penguins had a second clear eyelid? I wish I had clear eyelids so I would never have to blink when looking at your beautiful face.”

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Fall wedding. Just kidding. After I received about six more of these cheesy messages, I deleted the app.

I’m not sure what’s worse: Bad pick up lines or Valentine’s Day? Throughout my life, I’ve been both single and in relationships on Valentine’s Day and neither were ever much fun.

If I was single, Valentine’s Day would make me feel lonely, even if I wasn’t. If I was dating, Valentine’s Day put awkward pressure on a potential relationship. And if I was in a relationship, I actually felt like a fraud going to a romantic dinner when my boyfriend had just farted in front of me six hours prior. It’s a lose-lose holiday.

A few years ago, I went through a bad breakup in December and was still pretty down when Valentine’s Day rolled around. That day, I went to a yoga class taught by one of my favorite teachers. This teacher had made valentines, with positive affirmations, for all of her students. I loved it but part of me still felt bitter.

“Easier for her to be happy on Valentine’s Day, she’s married,” I thought.

When I returned to class the next week, I overheard this teacher and another yogi talking about divorce attorneys. My jaw dropped. My yoga teacher was going through a divorce. I felt like such a jerk. I figured she must have only been happy on Valentine’s Day because she was married. I was disappointed in myself for making such a silly assumption. However, this cheerful yoga teacher made me view Valentine’s Day in a different light.

I realized by flipping the narrative, one doesn’t have to feel lonely, awkward or like a fraud at all. I find if you lead with kindness and do something nice for someone else, you’ll feel better about yourself—no matter your relationship status.

But why stop at kindness when you can add laughter? This Valentine’s Day, grab your friends, your new relationship or spouse and come to Zanies in Old Town to see me host the hilarious Calvin Evans. We’ll end our Valentine’s Day with kindness and laughter.

Let’s make it a win-win holiday.

Bridget McGuire is a Chicago-based storyteller, stand-up comedian and is a co-producer of “All That Good Stuff,” a traveling comedy show that started on the southside of Chicago. Follow her on Instagram at @bmcguire82.