Each year, the month of February reminds me of one thing: relationships. In the past month, I was delighted to learn two of my close friends celebrated their anniversaries with their respective boyfriends. However, I was saddened to hear two of my other friends broke up with theirs.

And since Singles Awareness Day, a.k.a. Valentine’s Day, is just a couple weeks away, it’s crunch time for me – and those of my friends with heartache – to find and try out new and silly activities to get our minds off of love and relationships. I mean, nothing against my coupled friends, but I don’t need to participate in activities or a “holiday” that reminds me of being single. My friends remind me of that fact all the time.

Regardless of your relationship status, February doesn’t have to be a month recognizing only those persons in relationship bliss. Whether you’re single, on the verge of a split or planning your next date night, try out one of these “make-up” or “break-up” ideas and see what happens!

Last year, I gathered a group of single and coupled friends and took them out for a night of grade school antics, including roller skating. Every Tuesday night from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Skateworld hosts “Adult Skate Night” for only $6 per person (not including skate rental). We had such a blast trying to maneuver around the skating rink, literally risking life and limb among the more “accomplished” skaters (I use the term accomplished loosely because I’m not sure how much a person would want to brag about being able to skate-dance.) All that was missing were our knee-high tube socks and short shorts! For more info, visit www.sandiegoskateworld.com.

If you find the need to release some inner hostility and want to leave a lasting impression – or bruise – take ’em to Mr. Paintball USA in Escondido. They’re open every weekend from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are available on weekdays by reservation for groups of 20 or more. Prices range depending on need of ammo rounds, equipment rentals and entry fee. The pro shop and playing field are in two different locations, so check out www.mrpaintballusa.com for more details and directions.

If you would rather abstain from a sport where balls fly past your nose, then play a game of laser tag at Ultrazone, instead. Hours of operation vary upon the day you want to play, but games are only $7 per person. Ultrazone even boasts a late night game for $5.50 per person from midnight to 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit www.ultrazonesandiego.com for more information.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so why not take a cooking class for yourself or with the one you love at Great News! Discount Cookware and Cooking School. Costs for each class differ but usually range from $29 to $59 per person. There are a variety of courses to choose from. One of the courses that grabbed my attention is “Chocoholics Unite…With Spirit,” which “focuses on favorite chocolate recipes that contain a little bit of spirit [alcohol]!” Mixing chocolate with alcohol – it doesn’t get any better than that! You can even purchase a gift certificate for someone special, like my friend Jarvis did for his girlfriend, Drea (I think she is considering taking one of Great News’ sushi classes). For a complete schedule of classes, visit http://great-news.com.

On Feb. 10, the next uninhibited installment of Donkey Punch blasts off at Rich’s. A one-of-a-kind experience in San Diego, this party always delivers tantalizing stage shows and jammin’ alternative house music by DJ Nikno. This month’s party is called “Sexy Cupid,” decked out with a Valentine’s Day motif. So come dressed in your most scandalous outfit and hook yourself a new man (or at least tease and flirt with one)! Also, Brent Corrigan makes another appearance at Donkey Punch as one of the special guest dancers. Don’t miss all of the shenanigans that are sure to take place. Log on to http://www.myspace.com/donkeypunchsd for more info.

If you haven’t had enough fun and mayhem by the end of the month, then don’t forget to check out the sixth annual Hillcrest Mardi Gras street party on Feb. 20 (on University Avenue, between First and Fourth avenues). The party and stage shows are from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. and feature Tootie & the Lips Girls and Candye Kane, to name a few attractions. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. VIP tickets can also be purchased. Don’t forget to pop your head into Urban Mo’s while you’re in the area! Visit www.hillcrestmardigras.org for more details.

After the festivities on University Avenue end, continue the party at Bourbon Street for some definite “Guys Gone Wild” action, or drop by Numbers for their annual Mardi Gras party, presenting $2 Coronas, free beads and a craziest-outfit contest with no cover. DJ Fatz will also be spinning a mix of Top 40, hip hop and R&B.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I found Beauty Bar to be simply delicious. From the eclectic mix of patrons that frequent the place to the vintage dryer chairs lined up against the wall, I was enthralled by the scene. The bar is open seven days a week, but Wednesday through Saturday tend to be the busiest nights. I love the electro ’80s music they play on Wednesday nights and I still need to check out their famous $10 martini and manicure combos on Friday and Saturday nights. Beauty Bar also entices with a small stage for live performances and an old-fashioned photo booth in the front of the bar, if you want to have a Kodak moment. So if you haven’t experienced what Beauty Bar has to offer, stop by and check out the scene. Don’t forget to order a drink from my friend Alexis and make sure to leave her a big tip. For the complete 411, check out www.beautybar.com.

This month, I leave you with a quote from Dr. Seuss and a phrase my friend J says every time we have a shot:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

That one’s for you J!