The Holiday of Love.
Singles Awareness Day.
I'm-Buying-You-the-Same-Gift-Every-Other-Guy-Buys-His-Girlfriend-to-Show-How-Much-He-Loves-Her-Day.
Yes, it's that time of year again. Those in love get to increase their public displays of affection, while those of us who are single try to avoid those couples. Chocolate boxes line the check-out counter at every grocery store. Stuffed animals that sing start popping up in commercials. Flowers that used to cost $9.95 only weeks ago are now $29.95.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I hate the thought of Valentine's Day, I've just never really taken part. Of course, when I was in elementary school I passed out little cards to the other students in class, but I've never had anyone to call My Valentine.
I think it's nice for people to have a day dedicated to making sure that their significant other knows how much they mean to the other person. I really do. Setting aside a day to dote upon your loved ones is not a bad thing in my book. I just think that the affection should be more personal than just handing your boyfriend/girlfriend a card and a stuffed bear that you picked up from the convenience store. Once again, I think that you should examine your relationship, and figure out what makes the other person really smile: whether it's a bouquet of wild flowers, 6 boxes of peach-ring candies, the latest James Bond movie, or a gift card to Lowes so that they can go buy the power tool that they really want, you should pay attention to the other person and show them that you pay attention, and that what they say is important to you. As long as you put a little effort into your gift, and you aren't simply giving a gift because you feel obligated to, then everything should be fine. No reason to flip out over how much to spend, or about getting the biggest teddy bear in the world; just be yourself, show them that you truly care about them, and you're sure to have a good Valentine's Day.
For those of you who are single: Fear not!
I know that Valentine's Day isn't a big thrill for those without a significant other; but there is no reason to completely dread this day. February 14 could be a day for you to show your friends how much you still care about them: get a big bag of candy and share it with everyone (no one wants to be left out on this day of love), make construction paper cards to pass out to people. Start your own Anti-Valentine's Day traditions with other single friends. For the past four years, I've gotten a group of friends together and we've gone out to see the latest action movie. One year it was Taken, Safe House, whatever. It didn't matter, as long as we weren't watching the Romance movie that all the couples were seeing. Our group laughed more than any of the couples we passed that day.
So don't be depressed because you don't have a Someone Special to share this holiday with. Be happy because you have friends that love you no matter what. Don't believe that just because you are single for this holiday that you will be single for the rest of your life. You'll find the person that you're meant to be with, it might just take a little longer than you would like. But being single is no reason to be miserable. So Perk Up! I've been single for 23 Valentine's Days, and I'm still a Romantic at heart.
While I didn't have my very own Valentine yesterday, I did receive a few sweet Valentine's Day messages (which is way more than I expected!). So I'd like to give a shout out to Ryan, Joshua, Westley, and David. You each had a unique message, but I was very honored that you thought of me. Thank you all, again.
So, what did you do for Valentine's Day? Were you one of the lucky one's with a date, or did you sit at home and eat a carton of ice cream? Do you agree that this holiday should be more personal, or do you like getting the standard Lovey-Dovey presents? As always, I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
Everyone deserves to get at least one Valentine, so enjoy! (It's Raphael the Ninja Turtle dressed as Humphrey Bogart playing Rick Blaine in Casablanca wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day! What's not to love?!)
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