Ok, that may be a biased point of view seeing how I will spend this Valentine's Day completely single, only cuddling my border collie. However, I feel like I do have a point.
If I am correct, St Valentine's Day originated from Christian saints named (obviously) after St Valentine which was a major Christian event until 1969. The idea of romance and sending cards didn't come around until the 1800s. Even then, it was a nice gesture which could lead to a relationship.
Then things turned sour.
Since the 1950s Valentine's Day has been materialistic. To make money, companies started flogging chocolates and jewellery as a way of making profits. That may not seem so bad, but it really can - ironically - ruin relationships. I can remember I was 12 and an admirer sent me a card and some sweets. I didn't fancy her, but I was a little grateful. However, I later complained at the fact that they weren't very nice and it was a bit cheap. That's what Valentine's Day turns people into - ungrateful swines who think that everything is about presents.
Personally, I think that Valentine's Day would be better off if they completely stripped it back to nothing special and no brilliant presents. You shouldn't rely on a day of the year to get your loved one something nice because it takes away the spontaneity of gifts and leaves you expecting something. See that way you want an iPhone for Christmas and you get a Nokia brick and you're disappointed? Yeah, well Valentine's Day is the new Christmas.
To sum up my feelings about Valentine's Day, without sounding cheesy, you should show your love for your partner every day of the week. You should be spontaneous whenever you want to be. Love is about the unexpected, not the planned. So whether you are sitting eating ice cream greeting at The Notebook; having a one nighter; or spending it with loved ones, don't forget that Valentine's Day is just another day - as we singles put it.
Do you disagree with my look on Valentine's Day? What's your opinion? Let me know by leaving a comment.
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