Meet Matthew Cooke, a Stranger reader who has vowed to do everything The Stranger suggests for the entire month of February. Look for his reports daily on Slog and Line Out. —Eds.

I’ve always wanted to go to Dan Savage’s annual V-Day smash fest, but it seemed odd—possibly even offensive—for me to attend given my happily married status. On the other hand, I’ve been kicked in the ass by love just like anybody else, so why shouldn’t I go? I still remember a certain horrible 16th birthday party, during which my slut of a girlfriend hooked up with my “best friend” in the backseat of my own goddamn Chevy Nova. If only I’d had something of hers to burn last night.

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It seemed important, however, to get the single person’s perspective, and so I brought along my extremely single (and extremely cute) friend Kim. When we got there a little after 9 PM, Dan was already well into his smash, bash, and burn routine. The stage was caked in all manner of refuse and assorted detritus, the talismans of emotional agony now humbled and rendered powerless through the magic of violent catharsis.

I was startled by the vehemence of my reactions. On at least one occasion, I think I actually screamed “BURN THAT FUCKER!” And I wasn’t drunk or anything (OK, maybe a little).

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But what surprised me most was the serious and heavy emotional shit going on. I admit I thought this would just be a fun lark, an excuse to get a bunch of single people together in a room full of laughter and alcohol. And it was that. But it was way deeper also. Several people cried while telling their stories, and as Dan obliterated and defiled the offensive objects there was real power in the collective purging, and a form of unconditional love emanating from the crowd that seemed to help people heal.

Afterward, as we processed the experience over drinks at a nearby bar, Kim said that Valentine’s Day when you’re single is like what Christmas would be for Jewish people if there was no such thing as Hanukkah. I’m not totally sure what that means, but if I understand it correctly, last night was her Hanukkah.

Nicely done, Dan.