Why does it seem that so many people so loathe Valentine’s Day? Is it only single people who hate this holiday? Doesn’t seem that way. So what explains it? And why is Valentine’s Day singled out among all holidays for such vitriol (especially evident on social networks and blogs)? Every explanation I can think of fails the smell test. So I’m bringing this to you to help answer.
Do you hate Valentine’s Day? If so, why? If not, why do you think other people have such a problem with it (and not other holidays)?
And just for kicks, if you will, what is the most romantic thing you’ve ever done (or experienced)?
14 February 2008
Hating Valentine’s Day
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4 comments:
I've never had a Valentine's Day when I was not single and I've never had a problem with it. I don't really believe that there is anything wrong with being single, nor to I ascribe to the idea that only a boyfriend/husband can make me happy, or somehow my life is empty without one.
I have lots of other people in my life who love me (and bought me roses and balloons this year), so really how can I complain?
I wrote about my V-Day thoughts more extensively on my blog DivMo (and made a playlist and some beautiful MS Paint art): The Only Thing More Cliched Than Valentine's Day Is Hating Valentine's Day [Get Over Yourself And Go Hug Someone]
I think it's silly to designate one day to say "I love you" and make a big deal out of it. My husband and I tell each other "I love you" every single day... like Frank Sinatra sings, "Each day is Valentine's Day."
I think the anti-Valentine sentiment is justified. It's okay to be frustrated with a society that says that unless you are coupled, you're not complete as a person. And I think that falls much more heavily on women's shoulders. Men are allowed to be single without reproach, but for single women, Valentine's Day just broadcasts more of that "So, when are you going to get married and have children?" propaganda.
Good points, all. Kate, I see where you're coming from. It's nice to read a critique of the holiday that isn't angry, over-the-top, or tongue-in-cheek.
And my relationship is definitely one of those Sinatra-style partnerships, so I get the lameness inherent in devoting a single day to "Love" with a capital L.
You bring up societal pressure to be "coupled" and I think that's a great point. I've always found fault in the perception that a relationship is two halves making a whole. I think that manner of thinking leads to problems. Neither partner feels full without the other, and one usually tends to feel a little more full than the other - balance becomes impossible. For me, relationships are about two fully realized and independent individuals focusing their energies on creating something better.
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