With Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend I feel a certain lump rising up in my throat. I’m not choked up on sentimentality; I’m choked up on bile. I despise Valentine’s Day. Why?
These days the pursuit and display of love has become far too materialistic and corporate, and the worst thing about it is people don’t seem to care.
I feel bad for a lot of the men here; there seems to be a lot of pressure on a man to be wealthy, to provide his girlfriend with pretty things: take her out to fancy places, buy her the latest designer shoes and show her the good life.
Whoever said that love was about a pretty penny?
Then again, the gents themselves are not completely off the hook. If you’re all about promoting your pocket to women instead of your heart, are you really surprised that at the end of the day that’s all that she wants from you?
Valentine’s Day epitomizes the blatant consumerism of modern love. It’s all about appearances. What will your friends say if your boyfriend does nothing for you?
Back in the day, men bought their ladies flowers to show affection; now men buy flowers because their loves will scratch their eyes out if they don’t.
I’ve heard plenty of girls say, “If my boyfriend doesn’t do anything for me on Valentine’s Day, he’s such a jerk!” What a superficial thing to say.
If you really love someone, everyday is Valentine’s Day. It shouldn’t have to be about a material gesture.Plus how unfair is that? Our romantic partners are there for us 364 days a year; there for all our tantrums, Playstation marathons, mood swings, sicknesses, tragedies and victories.
Just because one day went awry you’re willing to throw in the towel and disregard everything else they do for you?
Why don’t we try and return to the heart of Valentine’s Day: the celebration of the individual love of two people through the things that are special in their relationship.
For example, recreate the first day you met, do an activity that you both love (if you’re outdoorsy, you can go hiking or camping).
A simple “I love you” is worth more than anything anyone could ever make or sell!This is a day for lovers, for kisses, laughter, whispers, sweet nothings and love making with your amore. To be in love, is to be lucky; don’t forget.
If you’re valentine didn’t carve “I love you” into Mount Rushmore don’t worry because you have what’s most important: a heart to love, spilling over with love for you, regardless of what the calendar says.
Philippa Hatendi can be reached at phatendi@ut.edu.