10 February, 2013

Love and February

For the first time ever, I am in love, in February. No matter how many times a day Brett and I say "I love you", I still think Valentine's Day is a crock.I'm reposting what I wrote last year on the subject, because aside from the "being single" part, I still feel the same way.

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.

11 comments:

  1. 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.

    I love you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love you too. And we don't need a "holiday" to prove it to each other.

      Delete
  2. I may be wrong about this... but isn't this the post that Brett proposed to you on?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it is. Good memory.

      It's right here.

      Delete
    2. Yep. This is the one that started this whole ball rolling. NOT Valentines Day... more like Anti-Valentines Day.

      Delete
  3. I'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.

    That 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now, THAT is an awesome solution! I could totally do that.

      I just get tired of having roses and chocolates foisted on me everywhere I turn.

      Delete
  4. 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.

    Now, THAT'S how you do valentines day.

    Hugs!

    Valerie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Delete
  5. Whoa...I had no idea!

    I still need to celebrate though...because, you know, chocolate is involved.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chocolate's cheaper the day after.

      Hmm...on that note, maybe I should buy a big heart-shaped box.

      Delete

I enjoy a good debate. Feel free to shake things up. Tell me I'm wrong. Ask me why I have such a weird opinion. ...or, just laugh and tell how this relates to you and your life.