Desperation Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Desperation Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Desperation Day is observed on February 13th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Desperation Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Desperation Day.

📅 What day is Desperation Day 2024?

In 2024, Desperation Day is on Monday, February 13th. It is the 2nd Monday in February; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the cool details and facts about February 13, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Desperation Day, which falls on February 13 every year, was created by the character Barney Stinson in the TV show “How I Met Your Mother”. It is a day when single people frantically search for a date for Valentine’s Day. In the show’s episode titled “Desperation Day,” Lily, one of the main characters, expresses her loneliness as Valentine’s Day approaches because her partner, Marshall, is away. She eventually flies to convince him to come back for Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, another character, Ted, is dating a woman named Zoey, but they are taking things slow. One night, Zoey invites Ted to bake cookies, which Ted finds strange. His friends tell him that he has been invited to spend the night, but Ted’s arrogance leads Zoey to send him home. Later, Zoey apologizes and tells Ted she is ready to be serious on February 13. However, Ted is scared and stressed, so he joins Marshall to avoid committing to a relationship with Zoey. Barney later explains that Desperation Day is the night of Valentine’s Day, when unmarried women become desperate, and that’s how the holiday came to be.

📜 Desperation Day History

Romantic loneliness can affect teenagers as young as 15 and even adults in their late teens who are not in a committed relationship. Psychologists emphasize that forming a loving partnership is a crucial step in the development of young adults, although many choose to delay this until their late twenties or beyond. Being in a romantic relationship can alleviate feelings of loneliness, as long as there is emotional closeness between partners. However, individuals in unstable or emotionally distant relationships are still susceptible to experiencing romantic loneliness. This feeling can lead to desperation and an intense desire to find a romantic partner. On Valentine’s Day, when others are expressing love and affection, those who are not in relationships may feel a sense of longing and sadness for not having someone to share those emotions with.

✅ Desperation Day Facts

🔖 Desperation Day precedes Valentine’s Day
Desperation Day is a term used to describe the day that comes right before Valentine’s Day.

🔖 It was first mentioned in H.I.M.Y.M.
The phrase “Desperation Day” was initially introduced in the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.”

🔖 Desperation Day isn’t an actual holiday
I apologize for any letdown, but “Desperation Day” does not actually exist.

👍 Why Is Desperation Day Important

We love Desperation Day because it falls on the eve of Valentine’s Day, the most romantic holiday.

It’s a pretty cool way to socialize and meet new people for people who take it upon themselves to find a lover before Valentine’s Day.

The fact that “Desperation Day” arose from an idea mentioned in a sitcom provides excellent comic relief.

🙂 How To Observe Desperation Day

⚡ Binge-watch H.I.M.Y.M. episodes

⚡ Go date-hunting
You are probably aware that Desperation Day is the final attempt to find a date for Valentine’s Day. Therefore, it is important not to be lazy and to actively search for a potential partner.

⚡ Post Desperation Day memes on social media
If you’re not dating or sharing memes, you should try binge-watching “How I Met Your Mother” episodes. We recommend beginning with the “Desperation Day” episode (for obvious reasons).

📅 When is Desperation Day?

Discover all 🔗 February holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 Funny holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Desperation Day. So be sure to check back soon.