Pre-Valentine’s Reflections

Year after year, I’ve made my stance on Valentine’s Day and all the festivities surrounding it abundantly clear: I can’t stand it, with all that I am in fact. It is the one holiday of the year that capitalizes on the emotions one feels for another person and transforms it into a mandatory state of being.

I’ve got no problem with people that show love for each other all year long and then decide to do something EXTRA special on Valentine’s Day — I can dig that because truth is, they could do that extra special thing on February 27th or October 2nd if they wanted to; they’re not tied down to a particular day.

It’s all the OTHER folks that think one day of dazzling, chocolates and diamonds will change the fact that they have either a lackluster or downright crappy relationship. Some will be taken by those common wiles; others will hopefully see it for what it is and want to delve deeper into the “why” of these actions. Note, I’m not saying men or women are specific offenders; they’re BOTH guilty.

I stopped celebrating Valentine’s Day several years ago because I finally saw through the farce. I told the Companion that I don’t celebrate this holiday and he respects that and the reason for why I feel that way. What a relief it must be for someone like him that doesn’t have to “go through the motions” of getting goodies for a female. Thing is, he would do it if I wanted him to. There’s women out there that if they don’t get their annual diamond necklace, ring or some other similarly blingy item, it’s quits. What kind of terms are those? How much could you possibly love someone when you are basic the value of that affection by how much is spent? It’s all wrong, I tell you.

Instead, I advocate that Valentine’s Day should be for those that are courting (aka dating, but I like courting better) and feeling each other out. It gives a man or a woman an opportunity to do something nice. I like the Japanese take on the Valentine’s Day holiday, even in all its innocence. The holiday is paired with what’s called White Day (held a month later on March 14th). Women give innocuous gifts like chocolates to the guys on February 14th, and men return the favor on March 14th. How cute is that?

Check it: http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/valentines_day_white_day.shtml

So as Valentine’s Day approaches, ask yourselves for the real reason you celebrate this holiday. Don’t do it because the media says you must; do it because it comes from the heart and is genuine. And then go do something on February 15th instead — save yourself some money.

Tags | holiday, love, valentine, white day