Why is there so much bitterness and resentment towards Valentine's Day? I asked on Facebook and searched the internet for answers and here are a few responses I gathered:
"Random thoughts for Valentine's day, 2004. Today is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap." - Joel (Played by Jim Carrey), Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004.
“It’s a stupid excuse to be extra nice to someone who you should already be extra nice to.” - Quote from Buzzfeed article
"It is a day that suggests that being single is unnatural, wrong, and pathetic. Not true of course. It is only a day invented by the greeting card/candy makers to promote the sale of overpriced merchandise." -Facebook User
Any my response to all this is:
So is every other holiday but we celebrate those with hardly a groan don't we?
We'll spend hundred of dollars on costumes, candy and decor for Halloween without batting an eye. We'll buy $200 worth of fireworks for New Years without hesitation. Yes, we literally blow up our money to celebrate a holiday but I can't recall anyone ever complaining about how the "the man" is just using those holidays as a way to make more money.
Like pretty much every holiday we celebrate, Valentine's Day just an excuse to have fun and to do things we don't normally do. And yes, I totally understand the whole "you should be romantic all year long" stuff. But not very many people can afford to be exuberantly romantic like that all year long. By no means do I think it's necessary to show your love in that manner all the dang time, but dadgummit, it is a very lovely gesture.
But I digress. The fact is, Valentine' Day was NOT created to make single people feel bad about being single and to think that it was is absolutely absurd. I mean, really. What candy company can profit from your mutterings about how Valentine's Day is a sham? It's a celebration of romance! I know it might hurt to not have romance in your life, but no matter how you feel you've got to realize that Valentine's Day was not created to hit you below the belt.
I know the pain of being single. I didn't get my first real boyfriend until I was 24!! Before then, I had been madly in love with someone who didn't give a hoot about me (ouchie!) and I had never even been taken out on a date. I was horrifically single. I still remember the pain and loneliness and I definitely remember the jealousy and butthurt I felt on the dreaded Valentine's Day.
Every diamond commercial, every kiss, every box of chocolates that someone else received was another nail in my coffin of despair. I felt like they were just mushing my loneliness in my face on purpose but one day I realized that's just how it felt and it was silly to feel that way because it's simply not true. No matter what's being sold, no matter how overpriced the chocolates are and no matter how silly the holiday may seem, some people enjoy it and that's ok. Stop trying to ruin people's fun with all the grumbling and huffing. Just hush and let people enjoy their day.
Stewing in jealousy and depression all day because you're single is a very miserable thing to do and you have a choice - you have the power to choose how you feel. Choose courage. Choose confidence. Choose happiness. Choose self love and be own your own Valentine.
Valentine's Day is what you make it and if you're still not sure what to make of it now that you've read my ramblings, try these ideas:
▲Go out and go crazy with your other single friends. Dress up in your finest
, eat, drink and have fun!▲ Cook or order yourself a luxurious dinner
and chow down on the couch while marathoning your favorite Netflix show.▲Seek out public Valentine's Day events. Browse your town's calendar of events, Craigslist and newspaper for restaurants, bars and lounges that are hosting Valentine's shindigs.
▲Join a dating website
. Seriously, is there a better time to join a dating website Valentine's Day? I'm sure you'll find plenty of other people spending Valentine's alone to chat with. You just might find someone you can go out with that evening!▲Get pampered. Go to the spa, get a massage, get your hair done, get your nails done, etc.
▲Buy yourself what you would like someone to give you for Valentine's day - chocolates
, jewelry, concert tickets, booze...▲Make your move. Use Valentine's Day as motivation to finally ask out your crush. What better time to go out on your first date than Valentine's Day?
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How do YOU feel about Valentine's Day?
Pin to share please :)
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I love it. Since I had my daughter every holiday is an excuse for fun. Everyone loves someone (hopefully) make it about unconditonal love, kindness and friendship. There are so many other kinds of love than just romance. It doesn't have to be a pricy Hallmark holiday. My mom always decorated and spoiled us with chocolate. If you don't want to celibrate don't. Just let others have fun.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally. Every event, including V-day, is an opportunity for joy. We can create it or waste the chance.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique and lovely perspective! I am sure it has helped many ! Thanks for sharing it with us! #HomeMattersParty
ReplyDeleteJeannee