While at the library this past weekend, I looked at the activity desk with all of the pamphlets about upcoming events and there was one which read: THE I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY.
It took me aback a little because it was weird seeing a flyer like that in the public library but I could dig it as well. It was nice to see them thinking outside of the box when it came to activities for its cardholders, but it also got me to thinking, what type of person hates Valentine’s Day?
I loved Valentine’a Day ever since I was a little kid. When I was in elementary school, we always had parties on Valentine’s Day and made mailboxes out of shoeboxes for all of the cards we received. Back then, we all gave everyone a card in the class whether we liked them or not because it was the right thing to do.
When I got to high school, it was a little different. My high school had Valentine’s Day dances which were of course a popular hangout. The school also sold Rose-a-grams in which boys and girls could purchase and give to their boos. When I was a Junior, I got my first set of long stemmed roses sent to the school on my behalf. I loved showing them off.
As an adult, I always had a steady, so Valentine’s Day was a day I always looked forward to. When I was married, my husband would always gift me with a token. But most important, it wasn’t about the “gift”. It was about the love we shared and still share. I never feel lonely on Valentine’s Day. And since my daughter was born three days after, this time of year is filled with birthday preparation.
So I guess I don’t understand the anti-Valentine’s day trend.
Is it because it’s looked upon as a useless holiday filled with high caloric candy, chocolates, and flowers that will die within a week or two? Is it because of the commercialism that hypes the holiday? Or is it because some Bitter Bettys and Bitter Bobs can’t seem to get over their past loves, and want to ruin it for the ones that do enjoy the love and fanfare?
I wish I had a clue.
I guess it is good to be able to have a counter-party event. For those that don’t particularly like the holiday. I just don’t understand why one wouldn’t want to embrace the love.
Are you for or against Valentine’s Day? Share your thoughts below.
Oh my! I totally forgot about making shoebox mailboxes at school! I love Valentines Day too – even when I was single. It gave me hope to know that someone out there was the right one for me….and I was lucky enough to found him. Have a great day!
Good for you! There is nothing like true love! And yes, I miss those Valentine's shoeboxes. I think I will make one with my 5 yr old this year.
OMG I am so against Valentines Day! I guess after being married for 10 years and 3 kids Valentines day doesn't have that much importance to me anymore. I think I feel pressure to do something extraordinary on that day. Before I got married, V-Day was so important to me. I would literally be depressed if I didn't get some kind of gift. But now, I could care less. I've turned into such a fuddy duddy. I guess I need to start thinking about what to do for hubby on Feb 14th.
Hmm. How about trading coupons with him. Ones for massages, things like that. Be creative. And most of all have fun!
Twitter: tojosan
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I never enjoyed Valentine's day as a kid. Once we got out of elementary school it was a popularity contest. It wasn't until I was older that I really appreciated having a date for it. But heck, being married 25 yrs and change, I am almost back the other way. Not so much anti-valentine's day but wondering why more couples don't do special things on just random days instead of waiting for a day picked by Hallmark.
I hated valentines day as a kid, but the hype annoys me.
My partner loves to send me little surprises and such on random days – not just because it's expected of him. Be it flowers delivered to my office or beside the bed when I wake up, or cute notes left around the house for me to find (and not the "I ate the last of the ice cream" type notes, either!) – there's usually something special on a semi-regular basis.
He has a motto: start acting like you expect it [the gifts], and they will stop. So Valentines day is just another day and if something happens then great. If not, there will almost certainly be other days. But usually, there is something special that's just a "Remember, I love you" rather than "Society says I should give you something today".
Also, I secretly get a kick out of the envious looks when security deliver a bunch of flowers to my desk and no one else has any!
i dont hate valentines day. Its neutral for me. But I love going out on that day to see couples walking around with teddy bears and flowers in their hand.
I agree to Todd "wondering why more couples don't do special things on just random days instead of waiting for a day picked by Hallmark. " We need to shower love to our love ones everyday!