I'll leave it.
I don't hate Valentine's Day. And I certainly don't want to rain on anyone's parade if he or she happens to love the holiday. But I'm not a fan.
No, I'm not bitter. The Man has been wonderful about sending flowers and chocolates (although we passed on this tradition this year as we are going to be spending a GRIP of money in two months.) I've had someone to spend the date with for five years. Before that, I was in a relationship for four years. So, for most of my adult life, I've had a Valentine. It just means something totally different from when I was a little kid.
I visit a lot of schools for my job. The most recent visits reminded me of a time when Valentine's Day was fun. Everyone made cards for everyone in the class so a kid comes home with 30 Valentine's Day cards and a bunch of candy. Now that's a good time. I suppose it's around high school when it became neccessary to have a significant other to be able to truly celebrate Valentine's Day. That's when I start having issues about this little but big holiday.
It seems like it's a day that unintentionally (at least, I HOPE it's unintentional) makes women feel bad if they don't have man. We then have to seek refuge among other groups of women that are in the same boat so we don't feel inadequate. It's just not right. I hate seeing my friends, who are wonderful and amazing women, get this feeling of dread when this day rolls around. In all honesty, when Valentine's Day rolls around, I almost feel more relieved than romantic. Kind of like, "Phewww, thank goodness I have someone." And maybe that's just me who thinks that but it's what makes me NOT a fan of the holiday. I would even argue that it's not truly a holiday because I didn't even get the day off from work.
I don't care about the commercialism. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas because it's a time when I want to surround myself with the ones that I love - family and good friends. And sure, the holidays encourage you to be with someone, anyone ... but it doesn't matter if you're single or taken, it's good times for all! So no thank you when it comes to Valentine's Day. While I love flowers and chocolates, I would much rather celebrate our anniversary and do something special then. So a big BAH-HUMBUG from me to Valentine's Day.
PS: I started writing this on February 14th but I think the new routine of waking up HELLA early in the morning has gotten to me. I am so pooped at night!
3 comments:
Speaking as a single male, I pretty much have to agree with most if not all your sentiments. There's a portion of single guys who, for that day, also end up feeling a little inadequate without a woman on Feb. 14. There's also a large portion of single that are absolutely relieved they're not in a relationship on Valentine's - less of a hit to the wallet and no pressure to be romantic. Then of course there's those hopeless romantics (male and female) who hope that there's a 'secret admirer' card waiting for them at work or home. No, I'm not saying which group I belong to.
And then speaking as a bit of a cynic, commercialism's the only thing keeping Valentine's Day alive. It's one of two big days a year that florists crave (the other being Mothers Day). It's the first big day in the calendar year for the greeting card industry. If it weren't for Valentine's Day, the greeting card industry would probably have to just rely on Christmas (well, that and weddings) to keep it afloat. And come on, you think restaurants don't want an excuse to overcharge on 'Valentine's Day' special food?
Personally, amongst any holiday (real or not), I'll take Halloween thank you very much.
I like to think of everyday being a Valentine's Day... Maybe I've always liked the pink and red about it :-)
I used to hate it...during High school the most. ugh. I always felt like a "reject". When I became a young adult I began to enjoy the day...I usually spent time out with other singles on that day and now, I spend it as a family. Ethan is my Valentine too and it's pretty nice. :)
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