While working on my column this week, I got about 300 words into a passionate rant before realizing this issue would fall on the day before Valentine’s Day. That fact just about sums up my attitude toward the day, which I usually let pass me by without ceremony.
I know there are plenty of people who go crazy for the red-and-pink-themed holiday. They absolutely love the romanticism, flower bouquets and overt displays of affection that stereotypically accompany Valentine’s Day.
There are also plenty of people who abhor it. Whether in protest of the “Hallmark holiday” or simply bitter and annoyed with being alone, those who detest Valentine’s Day have become almost as synonymous with the holiday as heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and singing teddy bears.
Personally, I’ve tried to fall somewhere between the two (although I’m tempted to lean toward abhorrence), because while the plethora of frilly lace and warm fuzzies can be a bit much, the constant griping of Valentine’s haters is the real issue I take with the holiday.
Having never celebrated Valentine’s Day with a significant other, I can certainly sympathize with the annoyance of having others’ relationships thrown in your face for a month straight. It’s enough to turn anyone into a misanthrope for the better parts of January and February.
Still, constantly bemoaning the pointlessness of Valentine’s Day doesn’t come across as edgy, disinterested, or anything of the sort. The endless proclamations of “I don’t care” are a dead giveaway to the contrary. Instead, try actually not caring by going about your daily life and realizing that, as cheesy as Valentine’s Day can be, it will all be over relatively quickly and painlessly.
Does it seem a bit silly that Valentine’s Day is used as an excuse for people to express their affection only one day of the year? Sure. But keep in mind that not only is it the card companies’ fault, it’s also the fault of people who buy into the charade.
I would venture to say that most reasonable people acknowledge and express their fondness for their loved ones on a regular basis. Valentine’s Day isn’t some magical solution that creates amorous feelings where none existed before. However, it can be a nice way to remind people to go the extra mile for their loved ones, and it’s often a fun excuse to get dressed up, go out on the town and push the envelope on monotonous routines.
All in all, I could do without Valentine’s Day. Chocolate is available year-round and the aisles upon aisles of cards and candy make me slightly uncomfortable. Regardless, I’ll probably “celebrate” this Valentine’s Day as per usual: without celebration (and probably with homework!).
If Valentine’s Day is your thing, I sincerely hope this year’s lives up to your red-white-and-lace-covered dreams. And if you hate the holiday, try adopting a more aloof attitude this year, or vent your frustrations by commenting on this article at isubengal.com, or by emailing me at ude.usinull@feihcgb.
Nicole Blanchard is a junior majoring in Mass Communication.