I hate Valentine’s Day.
Single or not, the day may be the worst holiday ever celebrated.
My dislike for this defective holiday isn’t because I’m envious of women carrying around a dozen roses. I don’t hate the day because it reminds me that the man of my dreams may not exist. And I’ve never had a bad experience in the past that would lead me to feel this way. I simply despise Valentine’s Day because of what it has come to represent.
First of all, I sympathize with men. Being forced to send flowers, pick up chocolates, and search for a cute teddy bear in order to ensure your gal feels special on this “day of love” must be aggravating. Even if you feel Valentine’s Day gifts are cliche, you still must go through the hassle.
Why? Because if you don’t, you become the worst boyfriend ever (regardless of your previous status). From this day on, you will be known to all of her friends as “that guy” who did nothing for her on Valentine’s Day. (Gasp!) If your relationship survives through the next two weeks of her ignoring you, congratulations! Now be prepared to make up for your lack of Valentinesdayness every Valentine’s Day for the rest of your relationship.
Although it’s a common misconception, this holiday isn’t a dream come true for all women, either. Some women are intelligent enough to know the guy only gave a gift because it’s basically a requirement. For the ladies out there who would take Starburst over chocolate any day, are saddened by wilting flowers, and know nothing about diamonds, Valentine’s Day never fails to be disappointing.
As someone who’s not very materialistic, it’s painful to watch the diamond ads portray women as gold diggers (literally) and listen to women compare what they did or didn’t receive from their loved ones. Some women aren’t looking for an expensive dinner out or a card so sweet it brings tears to their eyes — what happened to doing things that mean more than they cost?
Do we really need a designated day to show someone we love them? Isn’t it possible to consistently display acts of love each day, instead of saving it for one particular day? If your significant other waits until Valentine’s Day to show his or her love, maybe it’s not the love you deserve, and if you don’t know whether or not they love you by now, they probably don’t.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Shootin’ the Wit is a weekly column about everyday life that should never, ever be taken too seriously.
I’m a writer and photographer who loves old cars, big dogs and trying stuff for the first time. I believe everyone should have a bucket list because life isn’t about working, paying bills and having the latest and greatest. It’s about experiences. Achieving goals. People. Adventures. Travel.
I’ve never dyed my hair, broken a bone, or watched a Star Wars movie, and I don’t plan on doing any of these.