I might be one of the few people to openly admit this, but here I go: Valentine's Day is overrated.
It's not because I'm salty about love, not because somebody has wronged me and now I gag at the thought of flowers, overpriced candies, and the colors red and pink. It's because somewhere somehow, someone thought it was a really good idea to make one day during the year the day where you're either supposed to woo or be wooed with gestures of nice things, extra kindness, confessions of love, even teddy bears bigger than me (because yes, those exist).
My biggest beef with Valentine's day is that we're focusing all of our attention on this one day rather than remembering to love and be kind and do nice things throughout the year without any reason, just because.
This "holiday" puts an extra focus on gifts and gift-giving and penalizes people who find themselves not in a relationship, or that it prematurely forces people to get into one because of what they think it "means". Not to mention the anxiety it gives some people, making it seem like they have to do something grand when they can't afford it or really don't mean it, or that it's not really their style to do something like that. And let's not forget that when people can't deliver on their significant others hopes or the promises they really can't keep, someone is guaranteed going to get hurt.
Now I'm not saying that people without a significant other are bitter, or even mind not being in some sort of relationship. Some people are perfectly okay and content with it, but for some it's this obnoxious reminder everywhere that they don't have someone "special" to be with.
(image source: someecards.com)
It's just another day of the year. Big romantic gifts and gestures don't mean that someone loves you or doesn't love you more than the next person. It's just another day. Chocolates and flowers aren't more special this day than any other day throughout the year, so remember that. Just breathe and get through it like any other day.
I know I have the unpopular opinion here, and I know someone is going to tell me to stop being a sourpuss or to stop being a fun sucker, and I can handle that, but it's important to remember that not everyone loves it or even likes it for that matter. But hey, if you do, that's great, and I'm glad that you do, so spread the love, and share a smile, just be mindful.
