The 14th of February is Valentine’s Day. Is it a day that has been hijacked by commercialism? I think so. However no matter what I think, it is a day that dawns in the middle of February and puts all sorts of pressure on people to think about romantic love.
I did a little google search on Valentine’s day and it looks to me like the day we celebrate today originally had little to do with the plethora of red hearts, chocolates and overpriced roses. To be honest I am not particularly bothered with celebrating love on this day. I would far rather celebrate it on anniversaries, on special days and on the unexpected days and moments that are important to me and the people I love.
Why does Valentine’s Day stress me out?
What does stress me out, is the pressure that the media put on us. It really isn’t fun to be just out of a relationship, to be going through a separation, or to be feeling simply lonely.
Even kids going to school on the 14th of February are put under pressure. I remember going to school (many moons ago) and having to partake in a system when cards were posted in a box in the classroom and counted at the end of the day, with one girl and one guy being awarded some sort of made-up award.
I have spent many Valentine’s days either single, or wishing I was. I have spent the day with hope in my heart only to be disappointed. I have been blessed to spend some months of love in ‘love’, and the interesting thing about that is, when you are in love you don’t need that many reminders at all. You simply need to be grateful.
Romantic life under the microscope
Valentine’s Day makes people examine their romantic life and sometimes land up feeling fed-up. I would hope that we can rise above it and simply fall in love with ourselves which would be far better for us. Self love builds esteem and confidence. We are subjected to a huge amount of messages from Facebook and other channels.Almost every product, no matter has jumped on the Valentine’s bandwagon. It is hard to avoid.
How do I choose to spend Valentine’s Day?
So despite being quite happy in a relationship myself I choose to celebrate the 14 of February by spending time with the man, but also with friends. Let’s have a feast of love, but not make it about being paired up like the animals on Noah’s Ark. Let’s make it about gratitude for the wonderful people we share our lives with.
Don’t spend money on overpriced and underwhelming gift items. These won’t last in the hearts and minds of those people you truly love. Simply tell them how grateful you are that they are in your life.
Reading through this I realise it is a bit of a rant, so apologies for ranting. Thank you for reading my rant.
Kerry xx
I detest the commercialism of valentines day. however I learnt today of a number of families who have turned it into a family day. Something positive. Just wish the junior and national schools would stop putting such an emphasis on it.