We were wandering through the mall just last week, and I took notice of all the sad attempts to attract more business from a day that, in my opinion, is over-hyped: Valentine’s Day. The problem with Valentine’s Day is that it’s created a notion that materialism is associated with love. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not a single woman bent on hating on everyone else who is dating. I love my man in all the right ways, and I don’t mind having a day set aside to dine out or do something romantic, but it being an “obligation” is what drains all the backing from me. I love acknowledging romance and I think that it’s important to let people in our lives know how much they mean to us. Not just our lovers or partners, but also our family, our friends, that cute barista who smiles at you when you get coffee — but this holiday should never have been ratified for it. It should be part of the regular practice of our lives. Do we really need this holiday to substantiate our love for one another? Does this day really had to be forcefully shoved in so we can realize that we have to love each other?
People in relationships often feel pressured to make it the perfect day it is painted to be, while most singles are sulking over it like it’s the apocalypse. If you (specially women) expect to be treated nicely only on that day, and just forget how your partner has been a big jerk all year, you’re an idiot. If you aren’t being treated nicely everyday, then that relationship’s crap. And hopefully, yours is not so fragile as to fall apart over one Valentine’s Day. Ladies, don’t fret if your man fails to get you anything. And men, please don’t feel pressured to live up to expectations and frantically make the day flawless. Don’t be afraid of not fulfilling your “duties”. You still have every single day thereafter.
Here’s the thing: If you really love someone, a token gift once a year won’t prove it. It’s like saying “I love you, and to prove it, once a year I’ll be romantic.” I mean, everybody loves getting gifts. But it’s getting a gift that really, really means something that touches the heart. That heart-shaped chocolate or that big furry pillow is more often than not, nothing but a hypocritical public display of affection. If you love somebody, show it all year long. If you can’t show your loved one affection on a regular basis, please, just stay alone.
I want people to let me know I’m loved with their own volition, not because some stupid holiday obliges them to. That being said, I’m not interested in receiving chocolates, cards or a ridiculously sized bear. Although flowers can be nice. 😋
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right sis! 😉 me too believes that a romantic date on valentines day and whatever fancy gifts won’t totally prove one’s love to their partner in this once a year occasion. sometimes, there are guys who are just best foot forward during this day. i guess a simple gift would do. it’s more romantic than receiving those exaggerated gifts.
have a happy valentines sis! 🙂
I agree with you in a way, like when you said love shouldn’t be expressed only once a year and that material objects can’t express our deepest feelings for someone. However, I think Valentine’s Day is not just that one scheduled day when everyone becomes romantic. I mean don’t we all want to celebrate love knowing that we’re celebrating it with everyone else? That should feel really nice 🙂 Also, sure, material things wouldn’t express our love for someone. But then one cannot love without giving gifts. If you feel in love, you will also feel the desire to give someone gifts. It’s part of loving.
Of course, I do too. I don’t really mind celebrating Valentine’s, but, just like what I’ve said, I just hate the impression that everyone—most specially those in relationships— is obliged to. And yes, I totally agree that one cannot love without giving. Human nature! 🙂
oh em gee sisz.. come here in US, it’s worst… >:( Last week of December pa nga lang, heats na lahat in every store… and everyone just talked about how excited they gonna be for what their gifts would be..
Anyways, I think material gifts are much more appreciated on days without occassions.. 🙂 para surprise naman…
Woah! December? Sick. I agree, unexpected gifts are more appreciated. Hehe.
I agree with everything you said! VDay is so commercialized, like any holidays!!! HALLMARK card company should be blamed! LOL 😛
You took the words right out of my mouth (or thoughts right out of my mind), Kei! I completely agree with your blog entry. I find it ridiculous that some girls make February 14 the basis if the guy’s worth it or not. Kawawa naman yung partners nila, sa totoo lang.
I strongly agree that Valentine’s Day is over-hyped. The “celebration” of your relationship should not be scheduled for one specific day only. *blush*
I definitely agree with what you wrote there. I honestly don’t understand why some people make a big fuss over valentine’s day. I mean, if two people are really in love then why wait for V-day to treat each other specially? Although of course, I don’t think I should be saying this, seeing how I’m all alone.. LOL
Personally, I think v-day is just overrated with all this chocolates-giving and whatnot, it’s just…. kind of ridiculous? 本当に…意味分からない…
Hello sis! Can you still remember me? :”>
I totally agree with this. I noticed how couples tend to make this day very special. (Or even their monthsaries and anniversaries) They should provide gifts, guys should give flowers and stuffs like that) It isn’t an obligation at all. It is in fact, just our mind set. Anyway, I hope people still know the real meaning of love above all this pressure.
SIS SIS SIS! I MISS YOU, ANG TAGAL TAGAL NA NUNG LAST TIME KITA NAKAUSAP. Hahahaha!
Of course I can! I miss you too! :*