Setting aside the crass commercialism of this holiday and how it seems to be an excuse for certain women to throw tantrums if they don't get a box of chocolates or a stuffed toy or a shiny rock on a string, February 14th is the day my grandfather died so I haven't felt much love for this particular day in the last decade.
I've been single for a while now, valentines day doesn't bother me any more or less than any other day (which is to say not much). So it just gets a shrug from me too.
It's a tough day for many. As for me, I love the cards and stuff. And I love giving. I sent all three of my girls cards and gifts, also the same for my Mum. And of course the husband gets a card and gift. Valentine's Day isn't just for women or even just for couples. It's for those you love. But I do understand why some don't like it. For those who are alone and/or lonely, it has to suck.
I'm single right now, but I still enjoy the day and like getting cards, candy, flowers and the like for my family, friends, and coworkers.
The reason I dislike Valentines Day is not because I dislike romance, far from it. I have nothing against couples showing they love each other or wanting to do things together. It's the media that's the problem. They churn out so much crap around this time of year. They flood the cinemas with awful rom-coms and other supposedly "girly" movies. The newspapers get filled with Valentines Day "guides" telling you what to cook, what to wear, what to buy, what music to play like they know your partner better than you. It's shoved down the throats of us single people, ha ha, you suck for being on your own, now we're going to publish loads of pictures of perfect couples having perfect Valentines Days and then "making love" afterwards.
I live in Korea, here women give chocolate to the guys. This is returned in march on White day March 14 when guys give chocolates to the girls. (This is to the benefit of the homosexuals since they can give chocolates to whomever they wish on either day) lastly there is black day in April 14, where those without a partner indulge in Jajangmyon, a black sauce Chinese noodle dish. Then there is myself married to a Korean woman who feels that as an American I should get her chocolate on Valentines, and living in Korea should get her chocolate on White day. Since I am married, and don't like jajjongmyon, but my wife does, she gets that too. I have some ambivalence for the holiday.
Meh. You could say the same about Christmas and the festive spirit (or religious significance if you are into it), Independence Day and patriotism (or your particular national holiday), etc. Of course it's fake and you should be doing that all year long. But humans are creatures of routine, and yearly festivities are a big part of our social behaviour, so no getting over it. To me, it's just a nice day to go out to dinner with the girlfriend. No big fuss over it. Just like i give presents on Christmas, or fly my Italian flag on Liberation Day (and my Red one on Labour Day ).
Whenever i'm stateside i'm always taken aback at how much diamonds are advertised, even during primetime TV, it's weird. I've never seen diamonds advertised at all on UK television. The occasional jewellery advert in the daytime, but not just adverts for diamonds.
When I was single it depressed me but then I would send stuff to my female friends dating losers as a "Secret Admirer". Sort of the giving is better than receiving philosophy. Nowadays, it's more of a hassle then anything. And being on a Saturday this year is worse. Restaurants are crowded enough on the weekends.
A friend of mine gets a dozen roses on her birthday every year for that reason. Her birthday is February 16th. I hate those diamond commercials - especially Jarrods. They're an insult to my intelligence. Sometimes hubby and I do something special, sometimes we don't. But, generally we always exchange cards and he gets chocolate and he gives me chips.
He went to Jared! Squeee!!1! At first I thought the guy from Subway opened up a jewelry store. My wife and I aren't very into holidays in general. We'll probably exchange cards and call it good. I don't have a problem with it, I'm just sort of ambivalent.