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I Have Mixed Feelings About Valentine’s Day
And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone
“The most desired gift of love is not diamonds or roses or chocolate. It is focused attention.”
– Richard Warren
When I was a kid, Valentine’s Day was easy. We’d make or buy cards, and give one to each kid in our class. We also usually had extra time in art class to draw something heart-related, and we got to eat chocolate. It was a nice break from the winter doldrums.
But as an adult, Valentine’s Day is a minefield. I can’t think of any other holiday that has such a skewed stress:reward ratio.
If you’re single, you’re constantly reminded of that fact, with every corner and grocery store filled with teddy bears and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. You feel excluded.
Even if you’re dating or married, it can be bewildering to sort out reality from expectations. It’s so commercialized! It seems that every ad on TV is saying to buy flowers, or diamonds, or whatever. Every kiss begins with an overpriced rock. No thank you.
I like to make baked goods for Valentine’s Day, but unless you’re getting a diamond necklace, expensive dinner, and flower bouquet, society says you’re missing out.
Granted, most advertising I just ignore, because it’s way too unrealistic. (Think…
