I am not going to use this post to bash Valentine’s Day. I’ll admit I’m not a big fan of the holiday. While I believe the popular version originated with sweet intentions, it has morphed into another victim of the marketing machine. Having this opinion though, is the same as being an atheist on Easter. No one wants to hear it. This holiday is important to a multitude of people for reasons that deserve respect. Many people will be missing loved ones who are gone and all these sparkling hearts and images of couples embracing just pour salt into the wounds. Sometimes we need sentimental days to compartmentalize our feelings.
This is the first Valentine’s Day in years that I have been in a relationship. Last year, I got dressed to the nines and went out for drinks with two dear girlfriends. We had a blast and didn’t feel sorry for ourselves. The year before that, I totally felt sorry for myself and stayed home watching TV in my pajamas. The year before that I was taken out to a fantastic dinner by a friend who needed a date and then bailed when I wasn’t needed anymore and hung out with another friend and caught a terrible cold. I can’t remember much beyond 3 years ago because any other past V-Day hasn’t been worth remembering.
Holidays are always stressful and loaded with expectations. It’s up to you to approach the situation in a way that’s healthy and suits your idea of fun. Just like on New Years, if you’re just not in the mood to brave the crowds and the dinner reservation insanity, and you’re more in the mood for curling up in bed alone (or not) with a pint of ice cream then by all means, go for it. The holiday falls on a Saturday this year so there will be endless opportunities to create a low pressure evening surrounded by friends, if you happen to be single (or not). (Go see this show if you can!!!)
With Valentine’s Day only 3 weeks away, there’s going to be a relentless torrent of blog posts in the near future that are going to focus on this holiday. Frankly, I was already sick of the pink/red combo when I went out on the day after Christmas and the stores were already setting up their cupid drenched displays. I have no intention of giving you clever ideas for the holiday. All I’m saying is brace yourself, have fun coming up with a creative expression of your feelings if you’re so inclined, find out what would make you the happiest on that day, and if you don’t have someone to provide that for you, give it to yourself!
How would you like to spend Valentine’s Day?
xoxoxo
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