Fact: I love Valentines Day.
Fact: I am single.
Question: Am I alone?
I like special days. I don't care if the holiday is made up, cliche, random, or full of tacky presents or decorations. I just like holidays. They make people feel differently, at least for one day. And even the Valentine Day haters get to feel differently for one day. They have an excuse to hate such an "unnecessary" holiday our culture celebrates, and gosh darnit they love expressing that. I just like events that cause people to form opinions and make memories.
Now, last year was the first year that I really enjoyed my actual Valentines Day. I assumed this was largely in part to spending it, for the first time, with a boyfriend. This year, however, I think I enjoyed it even more.
9 Reasons I like Valentines Day:
1) I get to break the "I'm single on Valentines Day so I am going to hate this day and all couples." stereotype.
2) Strawberry Peeps/other candy.
3) I like experiencing happiness vicariously through other couples.
4) No expectations.
5) Pink.
6) Thinking about all the business flower galleries are getting.
7) It's a holiday created on the basis of love.
8) More family members send you candy/money because they feel bad you have no significant other.
9) Free cookies at work, free coffee at Caribou.
Reasons I didn't like Valentines Day in High School:
1) Unrealistic expectations.
2) You got to compare how many roses you got compared to everyone else.
3) Mid-class teddy bear/flower deliveries reminding you that your daydreams weren't going to come true.
Question: Do you hate this day?
Don't be lonely, friends.
Extra: Emma Watson confirmed her role as Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. EXCITED.
Edit: TAMPONS! I went back two days later to work out and they were gone. Sad day.
(I went toooo long without blogging. I will return to a regular schedule. Also, this means I will comment more. Kay. :] )
You forgot my favorite part: tomorrow, my roomie and I are totally hitting up WalMart for massive amounts of on-sale chocolate! =D
ReplyDeleteI need to try peeps!
ReplyDeleteI've never loved or hated V-day, not even in high school when I was always single at this time of year. I generally give it the same amount of thought as 'Palidrome day!' (11/02/2011) or 'Talk like a pirate day!' which is to say, not much.
Maybe it's not as big a deal in Australia, but I never got the impression that many people celebrated it in a big way. There were never any big PDAs to incite jealousy. And it somehow never crossed my mind to be upset because it was reminding me of how I was single.
Even this year, I didn't feel extra lonely on V-day because it reminded me that J is in another country... I don't need reminding, I already knew that!
I like Valentine's Day. There was a time in middle school when I hated it though. I guess it was those unrealistic expectations. But now I like it. I just don't think it has to be extravagant. My parents always give my brother and me a bag of candy, a card, and a small gift. That's good enough for me! I think candy, flowers, and possible a special night out for dinner is good enough. Just show your loved ones a little love.
ReplyDeleteYay! I completely understand, though. I haven't been on in forever and I feel really guilty right now.
Yep, today I read your blog. And yep, I agree. For 4 years now I've been doing singing Valentines with 3 old guys in a barbershop quartet...we deliver flowers and sing to people at their homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals, etc. And ALL DAY, I see nothing but love. Lots of people cry. Lots of people hug and kiss. And it's always wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThen I get home and check facebook and everyone is all snarky about Valentines. Lame. It's a nice holiday. Forget the commercialism. Cora and I had an excuse to get away and have dinner a few days later, and we really enjoyed it. Because of Valentine's Day. Because of love.
aww..
Love this post dearly. I get where the sad comes from on V-Day but, as a girl who has spent WAY more Valentine's Days single than attached, I decided a long time ago it took less effort to focus on the good. I totally understand the lonely part, but there's a whole lotta love circling too. That makes me happy. Your list is fabulous. People seriously underestimate The Candy Factor. ;) (And I didn't know Emma Watson was up for that role! That's a GREAT casting call!)
ReplyDelete