RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Instead of celebrating Valentine’s Day traditionally, some residents of the Richmond area spent the day breaking things.
“Rage rooms” were a popular spot on Feb. 14, as some single Richmonders or those looking for a unique date idea got to take out their frustrations on bottles, dishes and even cars.
For many, rage rooms can be an escape from reality. For some, this is especially true on Valentine’s Day, according to couples who were visiting “Rage RVA” on Main Street in Richmond Wednesday evening.
“I would think it would be more of an anti-Valentine’s Day [activity] but this is actually a really good, like couple date,” said Beth Coan, a Rage RVA customer.
Coan said she decided to spend a romantic evening breaking bottles and smashing computer screens with her date, Steven Nessier.
“It just sounded like fun. I’ve been here before, he hadn’t and I wanted him to experience it,” said Coan.
“Rage RVA” owner Nicole Michelau said Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the entire year for the business. This year, they were mainly booked out by couples.
“A lot of people are just coming in to release some stress,” said Michelau. “They’re coming here on dates, and just to have a good time and bring their significant other and just, you know, tear up some stuff.”
Denisha Smith, a licensed professional counselor at Healing Well Therapy in Chesterfield County, said she’s not surprised to hear that so many people wanted to spend time in a rage room on a day normally filled with love.
“It makes absolute sense, especially if you are having some unprocessed emotions regarding maybe a relationship or not being in a relationship,” Smith said. “I actually think it’s a great strategy, to be able to not only fill into your emotions, but do something with the energy that may come up from it.”
Smith also said that if you couldn’t make it to a rage room to break things on Valentine’s Day, it’s always a good time to practice self-love or try therapy if you’re struggling around the holiday.
“I think therapy is an awesome way to be able to process, be seen, be heard and to be able to express exactly how you’re feeling,” Smith said. “Self-love is one of the best ways to love, so being kind to yourself doing something for yourself. You don’t have to wait on anyone to buy you flowers or candy, find ways to be kind to yourself and love you.”
