This is a debate I have had with many of my friends. Valentine's Day. A day that is celebrated by loving couples to do cute things for one another, whether it's buying flowers or candy. A day that is dreaded by others, whether single or in a happy relationship. It is a day all retailers remind us of the pressure, whether you celebrate this day or not, we're going to be facing leading up to the special day. So, the question is: Should Valentine's Day be celebrated or ignored?
I'm no expert when it comes to this subject, but it is a subject I hear about annually when we get closer to the day. I have friends who dread this day, but I also have friends who love celebrating this day. I hear both arguments and agree with both sides. I felt I should share my "wisdom" and "experience" on this subject. I'm going to share with you my thoughts and opinions about this day; the arguments to be had on both sides; what this day means to me personally, and give you the answer to the topic at hand!
Personally, Valentine's Day has always been a "take it or leave it" kind of holiday for me. I have childhood memories that I cherish, even today, but it's not a day I look forward to in my calendar, like Halloween or Christmas. Thinking back on my childhood, I actually loved this day because of my memories with my parents. If anyone knows my parents, they're my pride and joy. I have learned a lot from them. I remember every year, my mother would get us little boxes of chocolates and stuffed animals. Valentine's Day was a special day for my mother and me. We love romantic movies, along with my sister, more than the rest of the family. That was our day to watch as many love movies as we could. Romantic movies are a special bond my mother and I have with each other.
I like to think of myself as a romantic. I love the romantic movies, the settings, the moods, the feeling you get. When you're in love- you feel all emotions. Sometimes, you feel them all at once. I love watching love and also writing about love. Even when I was a kid, I would dream of being swept off my feet and going on an adventure with my one true love. I smiled every time I would watch those romantic movies. Especially at that moment in the end. You know the moment. It's when the guy gets the girl in his arms, they smile while looking deeply into each other's eyes, and then they finally kiss. It's a beautiful feeling when you can be silly. It's beautiful when you can feel, think, and dream about nothing else. It doesn't last long, but it never goes away.
When I was a kid, I would make my parents have one slow dance together before we went to bed. I was obsessed with love songs as a kid. I felt my parents did so much for us that they deserved just one dance, one moment to be to themselves. I think that this holiday can be important for couples. When you're in a relationship, a partnership- it can be hard because you're not only living for yourself. You're living and building a life with another. Life is fast and it can keep you busy. Some relationships fade and it's hard to come back to that "moment" you had with your significant other. Valentine's Day can give you the reason to have that "moment" once again. It can give you a chance to breathe again. It doesn't work for everyone, and that's okay because no relationship is ever the same.
Valentine's Day is not for everyone. I completely understand that. Many feel, "Why should you celebrate your love for just one day?", that is a fair question. But I think it's more than that for people who celebrate it. Couples don't purposely go out of their ways to just celebrate love one day. I think it's just a good excuse to call a babysitter and get out of the house. I also know that this holiday can be hard for people who are single and resent it. I feel that- I was the same way. But remember: Who says Valentine's Day can't be shared with friends? Valentine's Day is a day about love. We love more than our partners, or should. When I was single, I would celebrate with my wifey, Alex Necro. We would make each other cards and gifts. We would drink wine and watch romantic movies that I forced her to watch. We loved celebrating together. I even love a good "I Hate Valentine's Day Party", those are the best.
Then there are those who LOVE this "loving" holiday. I have friends who can't wait to get their loved ones a gift of chocolates or flowers. They decorate their office and homes. They buy expensive wine or dine out at fancy restaurants. They get excited like a kid gets when Santa is coming at Christmas. There is nothing wrong with having a day you love. There is nothing wrong with being different from someone, who might not agree with your life's choices. For those who hate this day and criticize the ones who love it, remember: At least they're not decorating your house. Now, if you have a roommate that loves the holiday and you do not- good luck to you. I have also learned from this holiday that everyone loves to decorate, even if they're not "big into the holiday". Decorations make people happy, it brings joy. I think it makes people forget their trouble for a moment as they keep busy with decorating. Decorating gives them a sense of purpose for the moment. It's not a bad thing to be happy with that. Again, it goes back to a "moment".
Valentine's Day isn't for everyone. Fourth of July isn't for everyone. Halloween, dare I say this, isn't for everyone. Christmas isn't for everyone. Do you see what I'm saying here? It doesn't have to be for you, so let them celebrate their day- respect them for the life they live. For those who do celebrate the day, please, try not to shove it down people's (who don't celebrate the day) throats. Like any holiday, please respect that some people just don't care for the day- doesn't mean you have to stop. Let's be respectful of one another.
Personally, my partner and I don't go "big" for this day. There's traffic at every restaurant, who wants to go through that? Shopping can be crazy for last-minute shoppers. As a couple, life can get a little crazy when trying to express ourselves to one another. Valentine's Day gives a chance to just be in the moment with each other. My partner and I look at this holiday as an excuse to eat as much chocolate as we want and not feel bad because the season calls for it. I love romances in anyways, and I try when I can to express my love to him. I don't need the holiday to do it but it can be fun and cute. I'm normally not the type for flowers, I'm horrible with plants. Luckily, my man loves plants so anything during this holiday is perfect for him. We love to pig out on chocolates and watch movies. No, we don't watch romantic movies... My partner is not into those movies. But that's okay, I only shove them down his throat sometimes... Personally, this is just another day I can express my love for the people I love and there is nothing wrong with that.
As I was writing this, I realized what Valentine's Day means for people who celebrate it. It is not the only day to celebrate love. This holiday is about a moment. A moment you're allowed to be silly again, and let me say if you're dating someone for years- that moment can be rare. This is a moment you can express love with anyone and not be completely judged. So the question is: Should you celebrate it or ignore it? I hope the answer is clear at this point, or you haven't been reading my blog... Celebrate the holidays you want, but please, have respect for those who don't share your feelings about the special day. It's okay not to like the same things. I promise.
In conclusion,
For those who celebrate the day- HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Please be safe. Also, don't drink and drive!
For those who don't celebrate the day- Fuck Valentine's Day. Drink wine for me and stay clear of the ones who disregard my above message about "drinking and driving"!
Thank you for reading!
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