I hate Valentines day but not for the reason you may think. Most people who hate it feel that way because they're either single and it's a reminder that they're single, or they're in a relationship and they hate all the hassle that comes with the day. But I hate it for an entirely different reason. I hate it because it takes one of the most important human emotions, love, and wraps it in cellophane and ribbon before putting a pretty pink bow on top. It downgrades love into something commercial.
Several hundred years ago people celebrated Valentines day by writing a note and giving a token of their affection. Today I can simply buy a card that more or less says how I feel and put it with some prepackaged Valentines gift set all before heading off to a restaurant where we may wait up to 3 hours to be seated. Nothing says "I love you" more than Hallmark, a Teddy Gram, and a 3 hour wait.
But if you truly love someone shouldn't that love be shown organically? Wouldn't it be shown in the way you acted towards them or the interest you showed in them? Real love is unselfish and will come out when you're around them. And wouldn't it mean more if the person you're with did something extra just because they wanted to, not because they felt compelled to do it?
I'm not saying we should get rid of Valentines day, only that there should be some actual thought put into it. I will say, however, I don't get why it has to be on the 14th. I did an impromptu survey at my work and was surprised to find just how many girls refused to celebrate Valentines on any other day. They found the idea of going out to diner on any other day abhorrent. Why? As long as you're getting all the same things why does it matter if it's a day earlier or a day later? There's nothing inherently special about Feb 14th. Why not give the gift on the 14th but go out to eat on a different day. I guess if you're with someone who refuses to do it any other day you don't really have a choice, but I just don't get it.
If anyone one is interested in the origins of Valentines day, just click on the spoiler.
Several hundred years ago people celebrated Valentines day by writing a note and giving a token of their affection. Today I can simply buy a card that more or less says how I feel and put it with some prepackaged Valentines gift set all before heading off to a restaurant where we may wait up to 3 hours to be seated. Nothing says "I love you" more than Hallmark, a Teddy Gram, and a 3 hour wait.
But if you truly love someone shouldn't that love be shown organically? Wouldn't it be shown in the way you acted towards them or the interest you showed in them? Real love is unselfish and will come out when you're around them. And wouldn't it mean more if the person you're with did something extra just because they wanted to, not because they felt compelled to do it?
I'm not saying we should get rid of Valentines day, only that there should be some actual thought put into it. I will say, however, I don't get why it has to be on the 14th. I did an impromptu survey at my work and was surprised to find just how many girls refused to celebrate Valentines on any other day. They found the idea of going out to diner on any other day abhorrent. Why? As long as you're getting all the same things why does it matter if it's a day earlier or a day later? There's nothing inherently special about Feb 14th. Why not give the gift on the 14th but go out to eat on a different day. I guess if you're with someone who refuses to do it any other day you don't really have a choice, but I just don't get it.
If anyone one is interested in the origins of Valentines day, just click on the spoiler.