Teddies, flowers and chocs on Valentines chopping list

THE ‘love police’ will be out on patrol this Valentines Day, and in at least one part of the country they’ll be discouraging public displays of affection.

The Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) in Auckland is opening its doors to people wanting to get away from the commercial side of Valentines Day – offering an event for those ‘‘in love, out of love, or completely unlovable’’.

It’s part of a growing AntiValentines Day movement that swaps ‘cheesy romance’ for other forms of love: friendships, family and even self-love.

Programmes manager Sarah Somerville said Motat was trying to do away with the conventions of the occasion, which have traditionally involved expectations of romance, chocolate and overpriced roses.

Event-goers will take part in activities which reflect this theme, such as ‘‘Revenge is Sweet’’ or ‘‘Dancing on my

Own’’, but will go in without completely knowing what they are taking part in – as a tease.

Event co-ordinator Briar Jones said couples were welcome but there would be ‘love police’ to stop too much PDA (public displays of affection).

She said it was about having fun, without the pressure and cost that comes with buying expensive gifts.

‘‘It’s a way to make the day less intimidating and have some fun with it,’’ said Jones. ‘‘We want to throw it on its head.’’