It’s too early to think about Valentine’s Day, you say? I beg to differ. It’s never too early to think about the overly hyped, cacao-production inducing, rom-com sale boosting holiday that is Valentine’s Day, because if nobody was thinking about it in advance, there’d be no reason for the killer chocolate sales 02/15. For some, Valentine’s Day is just like any other day. For others, it’s a dreaded day. And for a select few, it’s their favorite day of all (I can’t say I’ve ever actually met anyone from this faction). Despite the large part of society which carries on as usual on Valentine’s Day, there’s an overpowering manufactured hype (thx capitalism!!) that strives endlessly to convince us all that Valentine’s Day is most certainly not just any other day. As a result of this comes the odd behavior and stereotypical attitudes associated with ‘Love Day.’
For single folks, Valentine’s Day can take one of two routes: a celebration of your freedom (much as every day should be) or an odd disparagement of said freedom (internal dialogue a la “you need to be tied down!! Evolution says we must reproduce—where is your mate???”). Many of the proud solo peeps have redubbed 02/14 as National Single Awareness Day.
In the words of one single Brunonian, “Honestly being single is so ingrained in who I am I don’t remember which day Valentine’s is anymore.” Hey, maybe they’ve got the right attitude! Why should 02/14 hold such significance to us?
Plus, when people are either just in the throes of a romantic relationship or any of the awkward stages of a pseudo-relationship, Valentine’s Day can bring about a fair deal of weirdness. Do they buy their not-not significant other a gift? I mean, they aren’t dating but do their weekly hookup and polite pillow talk rendezvous mean absolutely nothing? At the very least they should get each other some of these:
If you’re in a relationship, the day becomes a great source of leverage for that special gift you’ve always wanted (like these). Or, maybe the day just becomes a point of contention because you can’t find the perfect place to have a Valentine’s meal, or can’t seem to buy the perfect gift. Or maybe the crushing weight of societal expectations is coming down a little too strongly.
Regardless of one’s relationship status, why should Valentine’s Day matter? There’s nothing all too great about Valentine’s Day beyond elementary school. It’s as though everyone forgot that love is for you and your friends, too! Nobody really wants a fancy dinner at a restaurant packed with other couples pretending they’re having fun when instead they could be sitting with their friends making some of these.
2018, the year of the return to the true meaning of Valentine’s Day: chocolate and friends.
