Valentine’s Day is just a day, it’s one day out of 365, it’s one day out of a lifetime. I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, I think a lot of people put too much pressure on it. We shouldn’t need a day to be reminded we are loved and we certainly don’t need a day to remind us we might be lonely. Frankly, other than the candy side of things, it comes up short, especially for adults. Like most holidays, I think there is certain aspects of it that makes it more magical for children/teens. The Valentine’s Day cards, the candy, the parties, and later the dances; it was cute and there was a certain level of excitement in the air. Valentine’s Day in the grown up world makes me feel less than warm and fuzzy.
If you are single, it is only another reminder that you aren’t living in a Meg Ryan film. What is even worse is you have to endure a month of commercials with the “happy couples”. Barf. If you are newly dating, it creates an awkward expectation of planning for a holiday meant for “I love you”. It is added pressure on the getting to know you phase. If you are attached then it’s a one up competition at the office, who got the big flowers or singing delivery. It also makes me cringe with every fiber for someone who tells horror stories of a clearly terrible/inconsiderate partner to gush over a $50 flower purchase. Like this one little (easy) act makes up for being a self-centered jerk the other 362 days of the year (I’ll give Jerky Joe Schmo birthdays and anniversaries too).
The point is it is just one day. Take a step back from it and ask yourself, “Does it matter the other 364 days?”:
- Do you really feel bad about being single, or are you having fun? If you truly feel you are missing out then put yourself in situations to meet people…try something new, join a meetup, try online dating, meet friends out more.
- If the new fling hasn’t asked you out yet, don’t get upset because he didn’t make plans for this one day. Does he make you feel special the other days, is he thoughtful with other plans and dates…then focus on those…it is just one day.
- Are you envious of the girl who got the big bouquet of flowers, do you know her story? Either way, it doesn’t matter. Are you happy in your other 364 days? Are you normally comparing your partner to her partner? Does your partner do things that make you feel special and show you are loved? Do you need a giant bear to know you are loved? I would rather have the other 364 days of kind, thoughtful acts then the largest public display in the office.
So, if you are feeling disappointed today, remember it is just one day. Take a step back and examine the other 364 days you have. If you can’t find something better than a giant stuffed bear…make a change.
For another take on Valentine’s Day, Kristina over at Damn Ten Pounds wrote a piece that had me saying “me too” for pretty much all of it…it is a much funnier V-Day take down 🙂
