14 February 2005
I can’t help but wonder if I am alone in my feelings towards Valentines Day.
In the few days leading up to the day of love, we are guilted into buying flowers, candy and cards. We cannot walk into any store without being bombarded with pink and red hearts, heart shaped candy, stuffed animals, and roses, roses, roses. All the commercialization for this day screams “IF YOU DON’T BUY __________, THEN YOU DON’T REALLY LOVE HER”. I sit and listen to some of the guys I work with and hear them say things like “If I don’t bring home flowers and candy today, I may as well not go home”. What kind of love is that? Honestly, it’s not love to me.
Love is not about guilt. Love is not about buying presents. I’m tired of the commercialization businesses put on the holidays. The true meanings are somehow lost when you put a dollar amount on love. It is the only time of year when you can spend $50-$100 on roses when any other time they are $9.99. And what gets me is you are buying dying flowers! The moment they cut the stems, the rose begins dying. I would rather have the plant, that way we can enjoy it for many years to come. Whatever happened to the romance of a secret valentine, or just plain spending quality time with the one you love? That’s what this day is all about to me—quality time.
I’ve never been one for a big hullabaloo of roses or candies. Growing up, I only had my parents on Valentines Day. It seemed to me that all my boyfriends would break up with me right before the big day, so they wouldn’t have to buy anything. So, I grew up never really celebrating this day. And when I got married, fifteen years ago, I never expected anything. And over the years, the more I think about it, I don’t want anything but the precious time spent with my family. If I get a present, then I shall cherish the surprise. But I will never expect it. Expecting, demanding, and guilting your loved one takes all the meaning out of this day. So, go spread the love, and expect nothing. Enjoy Valentines Day for its true meaning.
Happy Valentines Day