Are single people really that desperate to have a Valentine? Iggy Fenech chats to five single Maltese personalities to find out just how they feel about it.

Luke Azzopardi, designer

“A very dear friend once told me that I’m brilliant at whatever I decide to do, apart from dating! She thought that was funny. Anyways, even if I were part of a couple, I don’t think celebrating Valentine’s Day is important.

“I do, however, have some good memories from past Valentine’s Days. Last year, for example, I went out to eat with my group of friends in Gozo, and halfway through the meal they told me that they had been the ones sending me raunchy anonymous love notes – to the effect of ‘I wanna get illumi-naughty with you’ – I thought that was hilarious.

“This year Valentine’s Day will coincide with carnival and there is only one place to go spend carnival weekend: Nadur! I have to admit, however, that I’m quite bummed they’re going to be on the same weekend. I would have loved to wreak havoc upon a cinema showing Fifty Shades of Gray. But, I wouldn’t want to miss Nadur for the world. It’s so exquisitely tasteless… Trashiness in copious amounts is always a sight to look at, and be a part of.

“As of for other singletons, if you’re not doing anything, I’m sure The Salott on Facebook will brighten up your day.”

Photo: Noella Agius

Owen Bonnici, TV host at One Night Stand

“I do tend to celebrate Valentine’s Day when I’m in a relationship, but it’s mostly dinner. In fact, last year, I prepared a meal myself – and, although I’m not very good in the kitchen, I made a huge effort and I think it turned out okay. Nevertheless, my best memory from Valentine’s Day is still from when I was surprised with a trip to Venice on the morning of… It was super romantic!

“This year, Valentine’s is happening on carnival weekend, so I’ll most probably be in Gozo at the Nadur carnival. That’s something that I never miss.

“As for anyone who’s single at Valentine’s Day this year: It’s going to be on a Saturday… So go out and party.”

Isabel Warrington, actor, artist and designer

“Back when I was still in my early 20s, my boyfriend was very romantic. He always booked a restaurant for that evening. I like romance and I am very appreciative if my partner makes a special effort to spend time with me on that day, but I’m not fussed if we don’t go out to dinner.

“Spending the day­ together or doing something we both enjoy would go down just as well with me.

“I haven’t really planned anything for this year’s, though. I tend to leave things till the last minute where my social life is concerned, as opposed to my work life, which involves a lot of planning. I love doing things on the spur of the moment and keeping my options open.”

The beauty of being single is that you are the only person you need to please

“If you’re in a relationship I think it’s nice to make time to celebrate the day, even if it’s just a small gesture like giving a card just to remind your partner how much they mean to you. I think a little extra effort goes a long way because everybody enjoys feeling loved and appreciated.

“I believe, however, that you need to be your own best friend, and in treating yourself to something you really enjoy. If flying a plane is what you’ve always wanted to do then book a test flight... the list is endless. Remember, the beauty of being single is that you are the only person you need to please.”

Photo: Nick Andrews

Peter Carbonaro, TV host and producer

“Even though I have celebrated Valentine’s Day in the past, I prefer a dinner at home cooked by a private chef. I can choose my own music, food, candles and area to sit at. Usually, all restaurants are fully booked and in some of them one does not get the usual level of service expected.

“I personally don’t think it’s important to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I can understand that there are people who love it. In my opinion, however, it is just another excuse to organise parties and dinners, go out and spend money. There is nothing wrong with that, but it really isn’t about love. It’s about ‘look what s/he gave me for Valentine’s’ or ‘look where s/he took me for Valentine’s’. Love is much more than this. Then again: What is love?

“One of my most vivid memories from Valentine’s Day was when I went out for dinner with a dear friend of mine who lives overseas and we totally forgot it was Valentine’s Day. When we sat down, we looked around us and we could only see tables of two people being very romantic. It was quite weird but fun and, in order, to fit in, we pretended to be a couple. Awkward…

“This year, I’m spending Valentine’s Day – or, rather, carnival weekend – in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I’m sure it’s going to be the most colourful Valentine’s Day ever.”

Denise Dalton, glamour model & Instagram star (@daltonvontease)

“I haven’t had a boyfriend in a very long time; however, I do date a few men who give me flowers and stuff like that, but without the pressure to spend the day in a lovey-dovey sort of way. When I did have a boyfriend we did go out to eat and spend time together but that’s just like any other day I guess… I’m not so fussed when it comes to Valentine’s Day.

“The way I see it, if you’re with that special someone, then you should celebrate it everyday. Nevertheless, I’m all about loving myself and treating myself well instead of waiting for a guy to do it, so, this year I’ll probably do something nice and fun with my other single and fabulous best friends.

There are plenty of more important things than finding ‘the one’, like finding the right shoes and brow shape

“My advice for other singletons is simple: Valentine’s Day is just another day. Instead of hiding under the covers and swearing, how about taking the day to celebrate the people in your life that you love and that love you? Besides, there are plenty of more important things than finding ‘the one’, like finding the right shoes and brow shape.”