Reflections on Valentine's Day

I'm taking a small light-hearted break from politics to talk about a day that some will dread but many cherish. I'm talking about Valentine's Day.

I used to hate this day because usually I was spending it alone. Being single on V-day isn't really fun when everyone's rubbing their love in your face. You see people on the subway with flowers or boxes of chocolates or other cute things for their loved ones. It's a very nice practice but when you have nobody to practice it with, it actually kinda sucks. It reminds you that you're lonely.

Single people need not resent lovers on this day though. Loneliness in some respects is a choice. You can choose to pursue a relationship and be with someone. Granted, they have to agree. But if you put in an effort, you're bound to find at least someone who will go on dates with you and you could do something nice for them on V-day.

It's worth noting that my enthusiasm with this day has varies depending on my relationship status. That is understandable and certainly the reason why many single people hate it.

Celebrating love is a good thing because there's plenty of hate in the world. I know that sounds corny and hippie-like but there's merit to it. Each day we hear about hate, resentment and negativity. It's great that there's one day that can mute it all out.

The concept of a day of love is not monopolized by the western world. Jews have a day of love (in the summer) and so do many other faiths.

I admit that there is commercialism involved much like any other holiday. But who said that you have to get a generic gift in a store? You can create something too and it would be just as appreciated I'm sure (provided you do it for the reason of wanting to make something creative). You can take your lover on a romantic outing. The possibilities are endless.

The key to this day is to do somethinng that doesn't feel forced. If you do something that is forced, you are slave to the commercialism that says "you have to get something." You need to let it just flow out of you.

That is what I'll be doing on Saturday.