God I hate Valentine’s Day. I’m so sorry, but I really do. It may be attributed to the fact that I’m single and have been for 20 years and counting, but still. I don’t like the holiday. I must really sound heartless to you all right? Well I promise that I don’t hate it because of love, but I hate it because of what it drives home for young girls, single women, and even young men.
When you’re little, you think about getting some token of affection from the little kid in your Kindergarten class, maybe an extra piece of candy or a little scribbled note. When you’re little, Valentine’s Day is really about love, or as loved up as kids can get. When you’re a child, love is pure and kind, and you don’t take into account how much some money someone puts into a gift. I fully support love when it’s pure, but when you mark it with money, love loses its purpose.
As you get older, love is no longer the same thing as when you’re a child. Don’t get me wrong, love is still there for the most part, but at times, love is defined by how much money you can spend on showcasing how much you love the other person. How much do you spend on that box of Ferrero Rocher Chocolates that you gave on Valentine’s Day? How much did you spend on your prom proposal and the limo that you go in? How many gifts do you buy your significant other? All of these things matter, but why?
Okay, let’s rephrase a bit. I love the idea of love. Although I don’t really know what it is since I’ve never experienced it, I think love is pretty awesome. But, I want a love that is more than what gifts. At the same time, Valentine’s Day is one of those days that makes single women feel defined by their relationship status. Someone who wants to spend a weekend in the woods hiking with you, someone who is willing to take time off and help you when you’re sick, and so much more. Love is more about the experiences than the gifts and money put into attempting to show love. I don’t hate Valentine’s because it shows love, I dislike the holiday because it takes the beauty out of love and commercializes it. Love is a beautiful thing, but I think Valentine’s Day takes advantage of it, so bring back the love in your life people!
– Anonymous
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