clevermanka (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
clevermanka) wrote2004-02-13 09:24 am
clevermanka) wrote2004-02-13 09:24 am
Entry tags:
Valentine's Day
I know it's cool to hate the commercialized hype of February 14th. I acknowledge the hostile feelings that lots of folks harbor towards this contrived holiday. I understand that men, never too bright to begin with, feel tricked, trapped, and betrayed. I understand that women, never too confident to begin with, feel angry, alone, and, well, betrayed. But ever since I was a little girl, I've loved Valentine's Day. Maybe it's all the red. But mostly, it's because I've made it All About Me.
I was actually due to be born on February 14, but I decided to give Mommy a break and showed up two weeks early (I'm such a thoughtful person). Hence, I've adopted it as a day for me, me, me. Birthdays are necessarily shared by family or friends. The cards, the presents, the party--sure it all centers around The Birthday Person, but in most celebrations (ok, my celebrations), hosts of others are necessarily involved. And that's great! I love enjoying my birthday surrounded by friends. But Valentine's Day? That's my day.
Big parties or going out in groups has never appealed to me on this holiday because inevitably there will be one or two people who will gripe and complain about the fakeness of this Hallmark holiday. I don't want my bubble burst by such party-poopers. For those people, please refer to paragraph one.
When single, I've treated myself to manicures, or shoe shopping, or reading a good book while consuming sugary junk food of my choice. When attached, I don't mind sharing my treats since it usually works to my advantage at the end of the day. As long as the other one admits that yes, today is All About This Girl, we're all good.
So please excuse me while I revel in the day I have adopted as mine. I hope my more cosmopolitan and calloused friends will limit themselves to eye-rolling and pursed lips as I coo and squeal over the little valentines I receive from friends and co-workers. Kindly conceal your irritation and contempt for this admittedly fake holiday. You can gripe to me all you want to on the fifteenth. The fourteenth will Be Mine.
I was actually due to be born on February 14, but I decided to give Mommy a break and showed up two weeks early (I'm such a thoughtful person). Hence, I've adopted it as a day for me, me, me. Birthdays are necessarily shared by family or friends. The cards, the presents, the party--sure it all centers around The Birthday Person, but in most celebrations (ok, my celebrations), hosts of others are necessarily involved. And that's great! I love enjoying my birthday surrounded by friends. But Valentine's Day? That's my day.
Big parties or going out in groups has never appealed to me on this holiday because inevitably there will be one or two people who will gripe and complain about the fakeness of this Hallmark holiday. I don't want my bubble burst by such party-poopers. For those people, please refer to paragraph one.
When single, I've treated myself to manicures, or shoe shopping, or reading a good book while consuming sugary junk food of my choice. When attached, I don't mind sharing my treats since it usually works to my advantage at the end of the day. As long as the other one admits that yes, today is All About This Girl, we're all good.
So please excuse me while I revel in the day I have adopted as mine. I hope my more cosmopolitan and calloused friends will limit themselves to eye-rolling and pursed lips as I coo and squeal over the little valentines I receive from friends and co-workers. Kindly conceal your irritation and contempt for this admittedly fake holiday. You can gripe to me all you want to on the fifteenth. The fourteenth will Be Mine.
Re:
Excellent point! And sadly, too obviously true in today's cultural climate.