So here’s what I think of Valentine’s Day

(Hey, I made this, click it for a bigger version.)

I don’t have anything against Valentine’s Day. This year I can take it or leave it, since I’m flying solo at the moment.

A lot of people I know, regardless of their relationship status, are openly hostile toward it, because they see it as a manufactured holiday, or one that has become artificial. I agree with that, but I can make the same criticism about pretty much any mainstream holiday. I don’t see why Valentine’s should bear the brunt of the criticism. If you want to get pissed about that, Christmas is the primary offender.

Now of course my perspective is that of someone who isn’t in a relationship, and has rarely been in one whenever the “holiday” rolls around, so make of that what you will. I’m not going to spend any effort defending myself against being called naive or idealistic or whatever.

At any rate, my thing is that getting mad about Valentine’s and “opting out” and whatnot is a big cop out. Just because it’s crass and commercial and materialistic doesn’t mean you have to treat it that way. The bottom line is that it’s an extra opportunity to show your significant other that you love him/her, and you can express that in many ways that don’t involve spending a ton of money. It can be a card or a note or a favor, or a modest dinner together, or whatever. What’s wrong with that? The idea of doing something nice for my girlfriend/wife, etc. seems pretty cool to me. I hope I’d never live to see the day when I wasn’t happy to do it.

So, the one thing that does irritate me is anyone who’s lucky enough to be in a relationship but wastes Valentine’s Day by getting pissy and/or boycotting the day out of principle. Suck it up, buy a card, and quit your damn “woe is me, I have a loved one I have to show appreciation for” bellyaching. I’m sorry it’s such a chore to be in a relationship.

Nope, that doesn’t wash with me. Hit me up when you have a real gripe.

Anyway, happy Valentine’s Day, y’all.