Some of you may not have seen this post from last year anyway, so I don't feel bad about a re-post.
I give you: February 13, 2012...
I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day and it has nothing to do with being “alone” which is my choice, or being “reminded that I don’t have anyone” or anything like that. I don’t wear black in protest, or mourning, or whatever that’s supposed to signify.
Here’s my deal: It’s NOT ROMANTIC, homies! St. Valentine was a martyr! While incarcerated he wrote notes to the jail-keeper’s daughter and signed them “your” – as was common even in Jane Austen’s day – which gave us the phrase “your Valentine”. …at least that’s the popular one of many saints Valentine. February 14 celebrates the date of his burial. Happy Valentine’s Day, ya’ll!
Besides, if you love someone, do you really need a special day to tell them? Haven’t you already told them? Don’t you show them in myriad ways? If not, shame on you. Doing something special on Valentine’s Day is a cop-out. How much nicer when it’s a surprise for no reason!
So okay, a lot of people might appreciate a “gimme” holiday that basically tells you what to do and how to celebrate. Fine. But really? Named after - and celebrated on - the day a MARTYR was BURIED? Let’s call it what it is: Happy “Hallmark Totally Made This Up” Day. Or, my personal favorite: Happy “Anniversary of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” Day. Heehee. Did I mention I used to live in Chicago?
I’m wracking my brain, and I don’t think I’ve actually been in a relationship on the fake holiday. But then, if I was involved with someone who decided to “do something special” on that day, I would probably get up and walk out of the restaurant, or otherwise ruin all the careful planning. Because really, if we’re together, you KNOW this about me. You KNOW I find this holiday trite and phony and a waste of time and money. So if you have made the colossal mistake of attempting “romance” (key point: I’m not romantic, either - at least not in a traditional way) then you MUST be hinting that it’s time for our relationship to end.
I actually have a commitment – not romantic, and not one-on-one – tomorrow night, so it’s a non-issue for me. But when I get home? Sweats and the movie “Some Like It Hot” which opens in Chicago and includes reference to the massacre in question.
And maybe pizza.
And a beer.
Ah, romance!
To all those who also are not celebrating this martyr: You're welcome for the logical excuse.
I have the best girlfriend ever. This is a no stress "holiday" for me. I can declare right now, I will be doing nothing special on Feb. 14th.
ReplyDeleteI love you.
I love you too. And we don't need a "holiday" to prove it to each other.
DeleteI may be wrong about this... but isn't this the post that Brett proposed to you on?
ReplyDeleteYes it is. Good memory.
DeleteIt's right here.
Yep. This is the one that started this whole ball rolling. NOT Valentines Day... more like Anti-Valentines Day.
DeleteI'm all for being anti-made up holidays. Valentines, Mother's and Father's days, Bleck! As you said, I get told every day that I am loved and cherished. I don't need a special day to have people prove it.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I still, regrettably, end up participating in Valentine's Day because of my youngest and the school's ever needy Valentine's Day celebration. This year, instead of buying Valentines, I printed out Doctor Who ones for her to give out. She loves the show and I'm fairly sure not a single kid in her class watches it.
Now, THAT is an awesome solution! I could totally do that.
DeleteI just get tired of having roses and chocolates foisted on me everywhere I turn.
When I was little, my schizophrenic aunt was "told by Jesus" that valentines day was created for me because both words have "Val" in them. So every year she would send me a present... Which usually involved a box filled with rotten oranges, covered in perfume and glitter.
ReplyDeleteNow, THAT'S how you do valentines day.
Hugs!
Valerie
Another awesome anecdote! I wonder the significance of the "rotten" oranges...or did she just live so far away that they rotted by the time they arrived. Love it.
DeleteWhoa...I had no idea!
ReplyDeleteI still need to celebrate though...because, you know, chocolate is involved.
Chocolate's cheaper the day after.
DeleteHmm...on that note, maybe I should buy a big heart-shaped box.