The Commerce Journal

Opinion

Discussion

February 17, 2012

Many Valentine’s Day detractors miss the point

Caleb Slinkard The Commerce Journal

COMMERCE — With the widespread use of Facebook and Twitter, I get to read my friends thoughts on a variety of topics on a minute by minute basis. Often these include where they are, events, sports scores, amusing photos and the occasional wedding, pregnancy or relationship update. Over the past few days my Facebook news feed has blown up with a variety of comments on Valentine’s Day. Many of them go something like this:



“There shouldn’t be one day out of the year when you show love to your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend. You should do that every day.”



“Valentine’s Day is just a way for companies to make money.”



“Valentine’s Day makes me sick.”



“Happy Singles’ Awareness Day!”



“I hate Valentine’s Day, it’s superficial...”



You get the picture. Perhaps you have a similar opinion about Valentine’s Day. That’s your right. But here’s a few words that might change your mind.

First of all, of course you should show love and care for your loved ones all year long. How does do something a little extra detract from that? It’s nice that there is a specific day that you can prepare for to show someone you care about them. The world is a busy place, and we often get caught up in the mundane cycle of our daily lives. My dad buys my mom flowers every Valentine’s Day and adds some mushy card about how she is the wind beneath his wings or something like that. Does that mean my dad doesn’t care about my mom the other 355 days of the year? No, it’s just a way for him to express his love for her.

If the commercialization of the holiday makes you sick, then make something homemade for your loved one. Make them dinner, watch a movie together, just spend time together. You don’t have to buy chocolates or bears of flowers to celebrate Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to participate in the commercial aspect of the holiday.

For single people on Valentine’s Day, get over it. Sure, the holiday might emphasize the fact you’re single, but if that makes you depressed, then you have bigger issues than Valentine’s Day. Either ignore the holiday, or use it as an opportunity to celebrate other cherished people in your life, like friends or family.

If you think Valentine’s Day is superficial, it’s all about the effort and purpose that people put into celebrating it.

Regardless of your opinion of the holiday, I’m tired of hearing how people hate it. If you don’t like it, ignore it and let people who do appreciate it do so in peace.

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