Have you ever heard of 'Singles Day'? In China, 'Singles Day' has become the biggest on-line shopping day of the year. College students created it back in the 90's, as the 'single' equivalent to Valentine's Day. The idea is that, on 'Singles Day', you get your single friends a gift, just to let them know you are thinking about them. The day is celebrated on Nov 11th (the 11/11 representing 4 singles). (Obviously if we created a 'singles' day here in Canada, it would not be on the same day that we honour our military heroes.) If this day became something we recognized in Ottawa (I say we have it on Feb 13th each year), it would probably bring out the naysayers...hrumph! I can hear them now.."Just what we need! Another reason to have to go out and buy stuff!" But it doesn't have to be an expensive gift, maybe just a card or a scarf or a miniature lava lamp. Besides, doesn't 'buying stuff' keep our economy churning happily? And for all the single people out there who dread the thought of another Valentine's Day, this day is for you! What do you think? At the very least, it could be a lively debate at the dinner table. It all has to start somewhere. Talk about it if you're single, talk about it if you're married. And, hey- if this debate leads to divorce, you'll always have some fun to look forward to every February 13th!
