Pre-Valentine’s Day Rant

Valentine's Day. Across the country and much of the world, we’ll be

celebrating love. There’s a good reason to celebrate love on this

day—beyond the fact that we’re helping to keep Hallmark and other

card vendors in business.  (History and theories on Valentine’s Day to

come on Valentine’s Day!)

                I just don’t understand quite where we’ve taken it all.

                Cards are lovely—for any occasion, or when there’s not an occasion. They are a wonderful way to say, “I’m thinking of you,” or “I care.”  And what are the best cards you’ll ever receive? Usually the hand-lettered cards created for you by your children. And these days, perhaps something created by a talented and loving partner on a computer.

                I’m hoping I don’t lose friends with these words but I’m just not a big believer in a lot that goes on for this day. Dinner together? Lovely. A sitter to watch young children for a few special hours alone? So nice.

Do I believe in love? Whole-heartedly. Do I believe that an expensive diamond or other piece of jewelry proves love? Not in any way, shape, or form.

                There are so many ads out there saying, “Show her your love with . . . .” A certain designer’s jewelry.  Shopping at a certain jewelry store.

                Seriously?

                So far, at least, I haven’t seen anything like, “Show him you love him with BlahBlah Auction House’s sale of So-and-So’s Superbowl Ring!”

                But, I’m a big believer in it being a two-way holiday as well! The best love is always equal. With the world realizing that a loving commitment (be it marriage or a commitment of the heart, be it heterosexual, gay, or lesbian) makes the world go round, I’m surprised we’re not pushing a few other really expensive gifts as well!

                I’m personally not much of a material girl and those around me are aware of it. I have a tendency to kill flowers way before their shelf date and plants don’t have a prayer with me.

(How many people can kill cacti? Thankfully, I fare much better with animals!)

Chocolate is okay, especially with nuts, but I think my favorite probably remains a Snickers which can be picked up when desired at the check-out at any Walgreens or CVS.

                Here’s my argument. Love (I mean the real stuff) can’t be bought. And if I love you, I’m not expecting you to go through your bank account on a gift.

                Anyone remember “Love means never having to say you’re sorry?”

                Totally disagree! Saying you’re sorry when you mean it is one of the greatest things you can do for someone you love. We all make mistakes. We can all be cruel.

                Valentine’s Day has become much of what it is here in the United States the same as many another holidays—it’s quite commercial.

                So, before the big day hits, I’m just sayin’ . . . .

                It should be about love. Honoring the “St. Valentine(s)” who risked his life for love is something good.

                I just think it should be honored with love—and not fantastic gifts. It should be shared; and not one sided. If love is something shown through an expensive purchase, it’s simply not the emotion that helps us make it through trials and tribulations, death and sickness, stretches of poverty and hunger, and/or all the other bitter strikes in life that can rip us apart.

                It can also be a day to let parents, children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and just special people in your life know that they’re loved as well. (Hallmark and other card vendors have provided for this!)