The ***OFFICIAL*** Friday/Saturday Night Singles' Thread <BR>Feb. 10 and 11, 2006

2.10.06 | apackof2

[apackof2]

The ***OFFICIAL*** Friday/Saturday Night Singles' Thread

Feb. 10 and 11, 2006

Pitch hitting for Scott tonight and Ok, ok I know, it early but what the heck!

The History of Valentine's Day

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Did You Know?

- 192 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second-most popular greeting-card-giving occasion. (This total excludes packaged kids valentines for classroom exchanges.) (Source: Hallmark research)

- Nearly 60 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine’s Day a procrastinator’s delight. (Source: Hallmark research)

- There are 120 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) who are in their 20s for every 100 single women of the same ages.

- There are 33 single men (i.e., never married, widowed or divorced) age 65 or older for every 100 single women of the same ages.

2.2 million marriages take place in the United States annually.
That breaks down to more than 6,000 a day.

- 145,800 marriages are performed in Nevada during 2004.
So many couples “tie the knot” in the Silver State that it ranked fourth nationally in marriages, even though its total population that year among states was 35th.

U.S. Census Bureau

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

But how ya gonna keep ‘em down on the farm after they’ve seen Paree?

FOR DISCUSSION ONLY

Remember:

This is a thread for singles, not a thread about the misery of singleness --
no moping allowed! :-)

Favorite romantic song, movie, poem, photo, story?

[Darkwolf377]

You're not going to yell at me again, are you MR? ;)

[TheresaKett]

No - welcome. Its just a place for us to chat and hang out.

[baker_girl]

I wish I had that problem.

I'm only 5'2 so everything is way to long.

[TheresaKett]

At least you can cut off the extra material.

[baker_girl]

LOL.

I guess so...but it still sucks!

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

Oh my goodness no! I am so sorry about that!!!!!!!!!!! How embarrassing! I'm actually very nice. Believe it or not.

[RockinRight]

Short girls are cool!

[TheresaKett]

Have a good night everyone. I really should get to work here.

[pcottraux]

Hello, M_R.

I don't know if there's official rules here. Marries people are not banned to my knowledge. They can play matchmaker...and actually, they can help give us relationship advice!

[pcottraux]

Goodnight Theresa.

[RockinRight]

Goodnight!!

[baker_girl]

Thanks.

At least someone thinks so.

[baker_girl]

Have a good night and thank you for the welcome.

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

Well, I've been an accidental matchmaker since high-school (over twenty years now - eek!). Hope I can help.

FYI - there is real hope in meeting your true love online. I met my hubby in a Yahoo! chat room while he was stationed in Hungary (I was in California).

[Darkwolf377]

LOL I know, it happens. You just felt put-upon by some other postes. But don't turn on your friends! I agree with you completely on what's-her-name.

I think it's okay for marrieds to be on this thread, this is kind of the last open watering hole at this hour. I need to put on some music if I'm going to work and FReep at the same time...where's my Pepsi?

[RockinRight]

Very true. Freepers cyborg and Petronski met here on FR, in fact, and they're getting married in June.

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

I noticed your tagline (agnostic), I am a conservative athiest and hubby is a pro-christian agnostic, and Good Lord, man, what could you possibly be "working" on at this ungodly hour?

[Darkwolf377]

Really? That's interesting. I met a woman online once and we went out for a year but I've given up on that. I'm too bitter!

It's nice to know it can work out though.

[Darkwolf377]

I sell short stories and am working on a novel to try to sell. Nice and quiet at this time of night, no phone calls.

[RockinRight]

They actually announced it on a thread a while back.

I personally haven't had much luck so far on the internet thing. But I know people who have.