By Dallas Hudgens

While many lovers are doling out flowers and jewelry this weekend, James Wylder plans to be dispensing voodoo dolls and stickpins. The idea is to take aim at both ex-lovers and traditional Valentine's Day sentiments.

"People love it," Wylder says. "They stick the pin in and say, 'This is Johnny. I'm going to get him a tax audit.' " Not that Wylder, is advocating bad voodoo -- or failing to play both angles of the day that some love and others hate. Roses also will be available!

2010 Location
VOODOO VALENTINE'S at Current
1215 Connecticut Ave :: Dupont Circle
RSVP for Free Admission
www.VoodooValentines.com

"It's just a fun thing," Wylder says, "and a lot of people want a fun alternative to the usual black-tie, hundred-dollars-a-pop Valentine's dinner. We did a voodoo party last Valentine's and had a line of people up the block."

Voodoo dolls might never surpass diamonds and chocolates as favorite Feb. 14th accessories, but the pin cushions offer proof that many people -- both lovers and otherwise -- care little for the holiday. The world even has its share of Cupid haters. On the Internet, Valentine bashers post rants against flowers, chocolate, greeting card companies and even love, laughter and joy. They also offer advice on how to properly plan an anti-Valentine's Day party (one decorating suggestion: skewer a stuffed bear and splatter it with blood).

Apparently, it's finally okay to admit a distaste for Valentine's Day, to say it's stupid, silly or a guilt-loaded storm of pink-hearted propaganda fueled by the greeting card and floral industries. Valentine-hating is so mainstream, the card companies themselves have gotten into the act. Americangreetings.com has a line of anti-Valentine's e-cards, one of which threatens bodily injury to the plump little gravy train, Cupid.

"The real problem is that Valentine's Day is so commercial, people feel obliged to acknowledge it," says Robin Gorman Newman, a k a the love coach, a consultant who helps singles plan and improve their social lives. "It puts pressure on you. People have expectations, so you're asking yourself, 'What card should I buy? What does this gift mean? What do we do?' Decisions have to be made. And if you don't do the right thing, the relationship can end. So it's a tough day for both the single and the involved."

Daniel Salsbury, 29, of the District agrees that the day places undue stress on people who are in relationships, especially new ones. Nevertheless, he has found a way to make some use of the holiday. He and a female friend -- they're not dating -- have a Valentine's Day tradition of taking in a movie together.

"We always see something at the Outer Circle and then go to a dive bar that's nearby," Salsbury says. "It's our excuse to get together because we both think it's a silly holiday."

Mitzi Mead of Vienna hasn't discussed Valentine's Day with the man she's dating. She and a group of her single friends have plans to play Bunco and drink wine Saturday night.

"I've always thought it was kind of a cheesy holiday," says Mead, 41. "If you're in a relationship, you already have special days to celebrate."

When Valentine's Day arrives midweek, it can be fairly easy to ignore. But when the 14th falls on a Saturday, Valentine's haters face a quandary. Do they stay in and avoid the whole thing, sacrificing part of their weekend in the process, or do they venture out and allow themselves to be pulled into the pink maelstrom?

Those who are not in a relationship often face the most difficult quest on a day devoted so completely to couples.

"Why should you stop yourself from doing something fun?" asks author and clinical psychologist Laura Brown. "If you're telling yourself that something is wrong with you for not being in a relationship on this particular night, then you need to challenge that thought."

Brown's advice: If you'd normally go out on a Saturday night, don't let Valentine's stop you. One potential cure for a Valentine's funk is to head out on a group date with friends or family members. The key is avoiding places that wallow in the stereotypical Valentine's images. This also can be a good strategy for couples who despise the holiday.