I'm a hopeless romantic. I'll admit it. But, I'm that rare kind that is also prone to cynicism. Not a positive combination with the inevitable Valentine's Day fast approaching. So, I know I'm going to get some backlash on writing this post. But, here goes.
Every year I get a Valentine's card from Hubby and I get him one. I'll get a bouquet of roses and even a gift. The first year we were married I was over the moon with it. But, as time passes, I
I say, leave Valentine's Day for the singles. Isn't that the point of the day? To get a card signed with a question mark or flowers arriving with a note attached saying: "you're a bit of all right!" Where the woman or man in question will ponder who finds them attractive. It will give them a buzz, make 'em stand taller, brush a little more mascara on (some blokes may...) until they realize it's that dodgy looking guy from the post room, or the woman who always seems wear the same cardigan, regardless of the weather.
For those who are single it's probably the worst day of their lives. Another reminder they're not with someone. That they're outstanding wit and charm ain't that attractive, that as much as they primp and preen, they still can't meet that special someone. A day they hate knowing that whilst some are being swept of their feet, they'll be popping into the local supermarket, picking up a meal for one and a magnum bottle of champagne to deaden the neglect.
It's hard being single on Valentine's Day and it's a slap on the face watching those in a relationship buying a card. Some grabbing the first thing they see, others choosing with a lot of care, or those buying one only because they think it will score them brownie points (and a bit of 'ow's your father). In the recess of a singleton's mind are they secretly hoping a card is being bought for them? When I was single, I hated Valentines Day. I knew no one was going to send me a card or flowers. The day just sucked and I had to work...
February 14th is certainly not a day to buy a pack of cards and give them to all your friends in school. Does a first grader truly know about love? Some will argue it's an opportunity to celebrate the love of friendship. Great, wonderful, pick another day to acknowledge that - Valentines Day is about fancying the pants of someone, not having to give a card to a kid who's nose just won't stop running. It's not a day to be inclusive.
I'll be the first one to admit that I've been taken in with the commercialism. The hopes of buying a cuddly teddy bear holding a heart, the heart shaped boxed of chocolates, the romantic songs. All of it. I still find some of things quite sweet...some...
Truth is, it's become too commercialized and expensive. Should a business make a profit on emotions? And, that says it all really. Are we not exploiting love? Are we not making it an obligation to declare our love for someone on one particular day, when in fact, the declaration of love would be just as amazing if it happened on March 14 as it would February 14.
Love is love - we don't need a day to show it, wax lyrical about it and/or to celebrate it. But...um, Happy Valentine's Day people...enjoy! Ahem...
