Lost that loving feeling?
The rise of the anti-Valentine movement
The love police will be out on patrol this Valentines Day – and they’ll be looking for over-the-top public displays of affection.
The Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) in Auckland is opening its doors to anyone wanting to avoid the commercial side of the occasion – offering an event for those ‘‘in love, out of love, or completely unlovable’’.
It’s part of a growing Anti-Valentines Day movement that will see many swap cheesy romance for other forms of love: Friendships, family and even selflove.
Programmes manager Sarah Somerville said Motat was trying to do away with conventions which have traditionally involved expectations of romance, chocolate and overpriced roses.
Activities such as ‘‘Revenge is Sweet’’ or ‘‘Dancing on my Own’’ will reflect this theme, but eventgoers will go in without knowing exactly 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 the occasion 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.’’
In Wellington, the
Sweet Axe Throwing Company is holding – you guessed it – an axe throwing event for anyone wanting an alternative to the ‘‘soppy, sweet stuff’’.
‘‘People can play as teams as opposed to the usual one-on-one, then there’s no jealousy at the end over who won,’’ said company co-founder Lloyd Bombell.
For those who don’t quite meet the age threshold to wield an axe, the Lower Hutt War Memorial Library will host an event for youth who can ‘‘reclaim a day that is normally all about soppy romance, and instead make it about how great it is to be a lone wolf’’. Teen services librarian Alisha Tyson said Anti-Valentines Day was a chance to recognise friendships which were just as important, if not more, than romantic connections.
Young people are invited to test their knowledge on ‘break-up’ songs in a quiz, with cookies being dished out to the winners. So, if love just isn’t in the air or there are other relationships to celebrate – Anti-Valentines Day is near at hand.