February 14, 2005

The Obligatory Valentine's Day Post

I am a Valentine's Day Curmudgeon. I've accepted this fact, and have decided to proclaim it far and wide - or at least to the handful of people who read this on a regular basis.

Now, I'm not against love or hearts or flowers or sentimentality or an excuse for a good shag.

I've sent my fair share of earnest love letters, cards and notes over the years.

I keep my trove of letters & cards tied with a teal satin ribbon in my bedside drawer, along with other bedroom-y bits.

I've been known to burst into tears over a thoughtful gift or letter.

BUT...

I strongly dislike being told how I should feel, what I should do or when I should do it. It makes me want to dig in my heels, stick my bottom lip out in a pout of magnificent proportions and very quietly (but firmly) tell whoever is bugging me where they can go.

This day may have been set aside to encourage people to share their true feelings, but it's devolved into a non-holiday that increases two things: spending and the divide between men & women.

And the many helpful articles on how to make Valentine's Day special haven't curbed my disappointment. They all seem so generic, suggesting that the day won't be complete without roses, a gift, a card and dinner out. "Be special!" they cry out. "Do what everyone else is doing!"


So with those thoughts in mind, I was pleased to find this link over at Population Statistic.

Now, if you genuinely feel moved to get a card or buy a gift, do it. Make the call to someone you miss. Hug someone, if you feel so inclined and it's welcome. Just don't do it because you feel you have to, and don't limit yourself to one day a year.

3 comments:

Boolean Wombat said...

you ain't alone. thx for the anti VD link.

Onotheo said...

I did fell obliged to post something on valentines day myself.

laura k said...

i boycott valentine's day. i am very romantic, love giving and receiving silly romantic gifts, all that stuff. but i think we should do those things when we are moved to, and not according to the hallmark calendar.

i purposely didn't post about valentine's day, but i'm glad you did.