Valentine's Day

[clevermanka]

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.

Comments

[radcliffe.livejournal.com]

"The fourteenth will Be Mine."

Ok! You know, girly shoe shopping can still be done, even when not single. ;)

My tradition is going out on the day *after* Valentines Day and buying as many half price fresh flowers as I can put in my living room. whee!

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

I would love to take you up on the shopping offer, alas I am:

1) broke
2) making kij's pants
3) napping to get ready for the big evening 0 has planned.

=)

[stimps.livejournal.com]

I like Valentine's Day too, even when I was single I liked it. =D Admittedly, I don't have TV so I am not bombarded by images of how one must be coupled or anything, but hey! I don't expect to get things, I just hope to have a nice time with friends or partners or really, any people I love. So what's the big deal? I think some people have too limited a definition of who they can celebrate love with. =)

[dixiemama.livejournal.com]

I was due on Valentine's Day as well, but my mother has been riddled with punishment even during my gestation, as I took my good old sweet time and arrived 5 days later via C-Section. She is still bitter, but giving her a grandchild as healed some old wounds.

Basically, you have to share the day with me.

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

Oh, I suppose so. ;)

Re:

[clevermanka.livejournal.com]

some people have too limited a definition of who they can celebrate love with

Excellent point! And sadly, too obviously true in today's cultural climate.

[cherryjane.livejournal.com]

I'm not anti-V-day like I used to be. I enjoy the cutesy factor, all of the fun stuff we have at work, candy hearts, all of the fun stuff they have at Target, etc. I sent my brother a care package, complete with kiddie Valentine's, candy hearts, a pez dispenser, etc. Have fun today and tomorrow - it's a great excuse to indulge yourself!

[starstraf.livejournal.com]

I made up 12 valentines this morning - hand cut and stamped for various co-workers and such. V-Day brings out the kid in me

[bellanorth.livejournal.com]

I'm not quite as passionate about it as you, but I celebrate myself on this day too. A good book or a rented movie (which I rarely remember to do otherwise), special foods or wine, and a bubble bath rank in my frequent rites of observance.

Squeal away.

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

Coo and burble all you like, my dear. I personally think you should just appropriate the entire month of February -- lots more chances for presents and scented shower gels.

[redheadfae.livejournal.com]

heh. I missed the post and hope I didn't go all out being bitter at you.
No, I vascillate between loving it and hating it.
This year I hate it. Tune in next year and we'll see.

Although, it's a cool time to also plan stuff with other anti-V singles, which is what I did, so there!

Hope the Prom was fun, and I look forward to hearing all about your lovely time, now that that damn weekend is over.