Saturday, February 26, 2005
The Infatuation of February 14
Valentine’s Day inevitably graces us with its presence every February 14. This lover’s holiday – immeasurably dreaded, excitedly anticipated, or apathetically ignored – has successfully invaded today’s culture. Commercials for kissing teddy bears, candies, phone dating services, and most of all diamonds (how can we forget that “every kiss begins with Kay”?) are so prevalent that even the most content person feels that something mystically romantic is missing from their now seemingly boring relationship.
Hallmark has succeeded in Americanizing yet another historical holiday for a profit. Similar to Christmas and New Year’s they feed off of the undying loneliness that becomes inevitable this time of year. The result becomes girls feeling worthless, ugly, and unwanted if they do not have one special guy – or really any guy – as their valentine.
Valentine’s Day is focused on sheer infatuation. Instead of concentrating on the struggles of compatibility, differing opinions, and distance: Valentine’s Day focuses on how much a relationship is worth – literally. If you are really loved by someone, it will be shown when this Hallmark holiday comes around. You can bet, and even begin to expect, that there will be a package on your doorstep, chocolates on your desk, or flowers sent to you in the middle of your Physics class.
It is problematic for a relationship when the outpour of gifts is expected when Valentine’s Day comes around. Of course it is a wonderful feeling to see your name written in a love letter, on the note tucked in a gorgeous bouquet, or on a package sent to you from that someone special: but there is so much more to be addressed in a relationship. I received such a package in the mail today. Now, although I listened contentedly while my friends whined, “Oh, you’re so lucky, I wish that I had a valentine,” I realize that this is not what my relationship is all about. I am far more concentrated on becoming self-sacrificial, caring, and real in my relationship than being able to parade my gifts in front of my jealous friends.
Love is not something that can be bought. Lovers all over the world are beginning to notice this through the staggering divorce rates and one-night stands that have become so commonplace in our culture today. Although I am not placing complete blame on Valentine’s Day, it is part of the problem. Now, I am not simply a bitter girl who has no one to shower her with gifts and sweet nothings, but one who is sick of fighting against every notion held by my culture in attempts to find a meaningful relationship that will last past all of the infatuation-led gifts and beginning of a relationship excitements.