I wrote this a year ago for Valentine's Day. We'll see how things change this year.....
It may be my personal opinion that Valentine’s Day is completely unnecessary. And I will make my argument clear with just a couple of statements. I would like to justify why this February 14th, instead of going out of my way for a guy whom I care for, I will be dressing in black and participating in non-lovey-dovey activities.
I find myself constantly surrounded by Valentine’s Day, but what surprises me the most is that it’s actually the day before. My college sent me an email for couple’s yoga. Thank you but I prefer to do my yoga alone while meditating, which is in fact the point of yoga. Did I mention that I am unwillingly seeing the color red everywhere and for what I know I’m not color blind. Or would that be color-selective seeing? Comcast just wished me a happy Valentine’s Day. My news station just reminded me of the many dating sites available. The “o’s” in Google are now in the shape of hearts. I could have attended a “Bitter Ball” which is just an excuse for college students to dance like we are still in high school. All of my taken friends are planning their events for heart day. Its times like these I wish I could celebrate National Act-Like-A-T-Rex Day. Oh wait, that’s April fourth.
I would like to highlight the basis of the outrageous image of Valentine’s Day. I’m sure everyone has noticed that once Halloween ends stores start marketing Thanksgiving. And then they are filled with red and green frivolity for Christmas. And for two weeks alcohol, ridiculous glasses, and large noise makers are the trend for New Years. And once January 1st hits, merchandise everywhere is Red. The blazing red that represents passion, lust, desire, wanting, longing and every other kind of affection that makes me want to up-chuck this time of the year. Unfortunately everywhere I go there are blazing red boxes of chocolate or a dozen blazing red roses ready to be purchased for some woman. Though I do love chocolate and the smell of flowers Valentine’s Day takes these two affectionate gifts and blows them out of proportion. Instead I begin think of who long I have to spend in the gym to work off the said chocolates or if I will sneeze because the scent of the flowers are too overwhelming. I am just so against the holidays that are thrust upon me and makes it seem so easy to spend hundreds of dollars on a simple day of celebrating love.
I have made it clear that Love Day is extremely consumer driven. But what about the people who can’t shell out money for the people they love. If it is love, an individual should be able to show it in simpler terms. Flowers, chocolates and expensive dinners are some commodities that love birds can’t afford. Showing affection shouldn’t have to cost a fortune. Where is the value in those things? Sure it’s flattering but not essential. Love itself is a priceless value. For those of you who have someone that you truly love in your life, you know what I’m talking about. Love means that you are happy with spending a couple hours just sitting in someone’s presence. Love in itself is a valuable gift. Give it and you shall receive it in return. No receipt and no price tag.
All of this talk about love has got me thinking about the actual point of Valentine’s Day. Some people call it Forced Appreciation Day or Public Display of Affection Day. Thank you to those who do, it makes me laugh. But why was February 14th chosen as the day to “celebrate love?” I have been in love. That is something I am proud to be able to say. This also means that in my mind I have an idea of what love actually is. Through my experience with it, I truly believe that there shouldn’t be just one day out of 365 to celebrate love. If love is in your life, celebrate it every day. Celebrate it today, tomorrow, this week, next month. Tell the man or woman that is in your life that YOU LOVE THEM. “I love you” is just a simple phrase. It’s just three little words. But it MEANS so much more than that. If it’s true, say it. Right now. Celebrate right now.
With Love.
Forever and Always,
E
No comments:
Post a Comment