A few weeks ago in my poetry course, my sister called me out in class to ask me about my Valentine’s Day feelings. I will be honest and say that I was blindsided. In this fit of minor confusion, I told her that I feel like it should be anything but a stressful event. If two people truly feel for each other, they should have very little pressure. They should agree to do something for each other, but no pressure!
After recently waving at Valentine’s Day as it has gone by, I’ve come to a few greater conclusions. Please allow me to elaborate upon my Valentine’s Day views.
1. Commercialism
This is the one aspect that I really do not like about Valentine’s Day. Though, the commercial atrocities are not just limited to this holiday. Christmas and so many others are “whored” out so much for their financial opportunities by business that their true meanings are very rarely publicly spoken upon. Unfortunately, I feel like this attitude trickles down to individual family households. I have to say that I have been guilty of this as well in the past.
I have browsed message boards and seen people talking about that they’re going to get or wish to get for Christmas. The actual spirit of it is less frequently spoken upon. I am beginning to get a bit sidetracked now. This is about Valentine’s Day, not Christmas right? Point is, Commercialism clouds the true spirit of holidays into something selfish. At the same time, it is the responsibility of individuals themselves to spread the word of and celebrate holidays for their true meanings. See, I am getting side tracked again! Moving on…
2. Genuine Love
My second view on Valentine’s Day involves the idea of genuine love. I feel that if you are in a relationship with someone and you love him or her dearly, then every day you are with together that love should be visible. You should not wait for one day to show your love for your loved one. Valentine’s Day should be sort of like a “super love” day you could say. I am not entirely sure what I mean.
Ok, here’s what I would do on Valentine’s Day if I had a woman I was with: I would be motivated, by my feelings for my dearest lady, to do for her. I would give her a wonderful gift and treat her to a wonderful time. It would be out of love you see, not out of obligation or just something you need to do. If it feels like a chore to show affection toward the one you are with, then maybe there is something wrong. I have had a few short stints of relationships but nothing particularly long term so maybe there is something I am missing here. I do not think so though. Love is love. Love results in loving actions.
3. Stress
If anything, I do not feel as if it Valentine’s Day should encompass a large amount of stress. If two people have feelings for each other those feelings should naturally motivate them to want to do something for the other person to make him or her happy. It should not be a forced thing or something to be stressed over. As I said earlier, it should not be a chore.
Overall, I just think it’s important to trash the generic properties of Valentine’s Day and make it something that is truly special between you and your significant other. It does not necessarily have to be a fancy dinner or rose-petal filled romantic escapade! There is certainly nothing wrong with that (I would certainly spoil a young lady), but know what your significant other likes. For example, a friend of mine said that she and her boyfriend just walked around the downtown area of our city. They both enjoyed that time together very much.
Anyways...Valentine’s Day should be enjoyed with minimal stress. One day is no excuse to not love fully and genuinely on the other 364 days of the year. Have fun with it and be thankful for the one you love. And that is what I have to say on that.
