If you’re unhappy with the growth of Valentine’s Day in Australia, your beef is with the Romans – they started it! But rather than the $18-billion worldwide industry that is today’s Valentine’s Day with its chocolate eating, flower gifting, and staring deeply into the eyes of your lover over a romantic dinner, the ancient celebration was more about public nudity and ritual animal sacrifices. Perhaps you could call it romantic that men were then paired with women for a three-day festival from 13 to 15 February after randomly drawing their names out of a jar.

History aside, if 14 February doesn’t feel inclusive to you, the following day is the lesser-known Single’s Awareness Day (SAD).

Regardless of your choices and fate in love, Canberra Daily has some things to help you celebrate your day, your way.

For more:

• Glamorous gifts
• Six simple ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with who you love
• Five of Canberra’s best date ideas for Valentines