Yes, I have had two bad Valentine's Days in my youth, but I'm glad I did. First of all, it means I'm not with men who don't value me. Secondly, those experiences opened my eyes to how dumb this holiday really is.
We put such high expectations on people that this one day a year has to be perfect or they don't love us enough. It makes people put labels on relationships. It makes single people feel bad about their lives. The whole concept is idiotic to me.
When I walked out of work today for lunch I saw a slew of red roses at the reception area. I think it's funny. Men send the flowers to work early so 1) They can mark her desk. Let all of the other men know that she is taken. 2) Let her announce, but not, that someone loves her. Make her the envy of all of her coworkers. She wants them everyone to see, guys know that. This gesture is often followed by a Facebook status update so she can be sure that EVERYONE knows she got those flowers.
Pfffffttttt.
I'm looking forward to (but not really) all of the Facebook posts this year. The check-ins at whatever crowded restaurant people are at. The double in price chocolates someone received. The blanket 'Happy Valentine's Day!' posts that are sure to fill my newsfeed. I know I sound like a grumpy old lady and I don't care. Everyone puts on facades for social media, but this time of year amplifies it and it thoroughly annoys me.
The point of this post is to say that I think we as a society need to take some emphasis off this holiday. As I type this I'm sure that Hallmark and Russell Stovers are simultaneously plotting to murder me. In all seriousness though, do you really need to be showered with gifts and gestures one day of the year to feel loved? I think people should make each other feel loved and appreciated every day. I'm the first to admit I'm far from perfect in this area. I think everyone, including myself, has room for improvement.
Instead of flowers that break the bank on this one day, how about flowers on a Tuesday just because? What if you got or gave love note any day of the week? Wouldn't that make it more meaningful? For me it would. So, have your day if you must, but stop making it define you, your relationship and your self worth.
For those of you who disagree, I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day, I truly do. I will be doing what I always do and I'll be content. I'm thankful to have a husband that makes me feel completely secure and loved every day.
Yesterday a news story came on talking about Valentine's Day came on. My husband said, "Happy Valentine's Day, that's your present. Are you good with that?" I gave him the thumbs up and said "Works for me!".
Because it does. I know he loves me. I don't need a designated day for him to tell me that.
Besides, everyone knows Cadbury Eggs are hitting stores right now and those are way more delicious than biting into one of those gross assorted chocolates that are filled with something unexpected. Am I right?! I like raspberry, but not like that. Not like that at all....
I'll end this post with a Will Ferrell quote.
"EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY!" every day.
No comments:
Post a Comment