Today is Valentine's Day, welcomed by Hallmark stores and dreaded by all singletons in the city. Bostonist won't be spending it with anyone special this year, except for Jack Bauer, so we looked into some other options than a romantic candlelit dinner for one. Here's what we came up for those of you looking to go out tonight:
The Boston Young Professionals Association has planned a "My Tie Valentine's Day Event" for those looking to mingle tonight. The guys bring a tie and place them in a basket before the event starts. The ladies then pick a tie and try to find the matching suitor. (Bostonist attended one of these events in college and found that the ties with Bugs Bunny on them were easier to match up than those with blue checks...just a hint) The event is from 6-10p.m., costs $15 and is at The Point on Hanover Street. You can also stop by the Charles Hotel's restaurant Noir, which is trying to round up some singles to stop in and create a "safe haven" for those without dates on this day of love. The bar is locared at 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge.

The Wang Center is featuring a free movie tonight. If you like Gwyneth Paltrow pre-Coldplay and baby Apple, check out "Shakespeare in Love." She won an Oscar for her role in this love story, so if you haven't seen it yet, it is worth stopping by. Doors open at 6:15p.m.; the movie starts at 7p.m. The Wang Center is located at 270 Tremont Street. Another love flick that many of us enjoyed while growing up as a child of the 80's, is showing at the Coolidge Corner Theater. "The Princess Bride" with Robin Wright Penn as Princess Buttercup, an Andre the Giant sighting, and an annoying Bill Crystal in makeup, is showing at 7:30p.m. and costs $9. The theater is located at 290 Harvard Street, Brookline.
If poetry is more your thing, go to the Lizard Lounge's release party for "Isn't it Romantic:100 Love Poems by Younger American Poets," featuring music by the Certainly Sir and others, as well as poetry readings from local poets. The event starts at 9p.m., costs $5 to get in and is 21+. The bar is at 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge.
While some like to venture out tonight, others stay at home with some chocolate and hide from all the smug couples. Why not watch some "quality" TV tonight and check out the Bachelorette, Trista and her husband-from-reality-TV Ryan, who host their own show tonight on the Travel Channel. "Trista and Ryan's Honeymoon Hot Spots: International" airs at 10p.m. and although it is about honeymoons, these two might make you second-guess whether marriage is for you. For those of you who enjoy a good cry, rent "The Notebook" based on Nicholas Sparks's novel. Sure it looks sappy, but sometimes you need a little sap to make the night pass by. Enjoy your Valentine's Day however you like. Bostonist will be home watching 24 and eating chocolate...to each their own!