Bleeding hearts and Hallmark unite

It's Valentine's Day in the 21st century: don't have a date? Meet one online! Are you still a virgin? Auction it off to the highest bidder! The romance standards of today have lowered considerably, especially at this time of the year.It's obvious that no one wants to be alone. We all want that special someone to make our lives more enjoyable and I daresay complete. What I don't understand is the rush. It seems that in today's society everyone is in a hurry to find a significant other regardless of the circumstances. There is nothing wrong with finding a date online and realizing that you click, but it all seems so forced and technical. Most of the dating sites give you a list of names, faces and numbers. Those numbers represent your "compatibility" and tell you how right that person is for you. It's all so brutally informal.

Around Valentine's Day the enrollment for these sites increases dramatically as well as the advertising. Dating sites increase spending on advertising 9 percent between December and January. The idea of these sites is to help people find a partner and if all goes well the couples will get married and live happily ever after. What a refreshing twist on the fairy tale, don't you think? No clever love at first sight in a crowded town. No shy boy asking the girl at the front of his English class out to coffee. Just log onto the Internet and check your matches for the day.

It is rather annoying to find that these sites do not recommend any tips for romance that society so desperately lacks. It's frustrating to know that even guys in their late twenties are still afraid to talk to girls and ask them out. It is also frustrating that girls think that guys have to do all the work. We're human, everyone! Most of us speak the same language as others in our area, spark a conversation! It seems hard especially if you're shy, but chances are you wont be sorry. Your soul mate could be sitting across the room at Starbucks and you'd never know it because you're too afraid to ask.

Americans are so cold and reserved these days that flirtation has been reduced to buying drinks and dry humping at clubs and bars. We need a romance revival especially here in California. Go out this holiday season to your favorite spots and really pay attention to that attractive individual that shares your interest.

Use dating sites as a last resort and not as a last minute chance at a date for Valentine's Day. It's just February 14 there's also a March, April and May 14 don't surf the web for a date just so you don't have to be alone that day. Look for someone who will make you happy year round.

Remember what your mama said, "You cant hurry love.