Please pardon my cynicism, but Valentine’s Day is not a day I look forward to. Perhaps it is the fact that I have been single for the past few Valentine’s Days and have not experienced it to its fullest potential. Perhaps it is the fact that I don’t like non-statutory holidays. Or perhaps it’s that I do not believe one day out of 365 should be needed to tell someone how much you love/like/whatever them.

I understand the concept of Valentine’s Day, I do, and I know I will get a lot of heat from people who love this day, which is warranted. But I also know that people who are single dread this day more than any other. Looking around and seeing hearts and flowers everywhere, all the restaurants with their tables set for two with candles and Valentine’s Day specials, it is a little too much. Keep the PDA to a minimum. A is fine and I respect people who like to D it but keep it out of the P for the sake of everyone around you, especially us singles. Remember, you were most likely single once on Valentine’s Day and had to deal with it.

I do know the history of Valentine’s Day and it is actually very honourable. The thing I do not like, however, is how Hallmark, among other corporations, have made it out to be this day where you have to go buy heart shaped chocolates and flowers and cards and a bunch of other useless stuff that gets thrown out. The U.S Greeting Card Association, yes there is one, estimates that over 1 billion Valentine’s cards are sent out every year worldwide. 1 billion! Second only to Christmas. I don’t know about you, but when I prioritize holidays this does not come after Christmas. Also, the Association estimates that men spend twice as much as women on this date. The wrath of a woman is not something any man wants to mess with, which is why we spend so much on this day. It is perceived as a day to show love above all other days which is ludicrous.

If you love someone, and you tell them that everyday, is that not enough? If you love someone, do you not think it is stupid for them to spend their hard earned money on insignificant items one day a year? I truly believe that if you love someone and they are special to you, then you should treat them special. Remind them of that every day, not just because your calendar tells you to. Treat that person with the utmost respect and love every day and nothing you buy will equal that feeling. Knowing you are with someone who cares for you, loves you, respects you, and would do anything for you, should be more than enough for anybody. If you need chocolate and flowers above and beyond that, then maybe you need to take a good hard look in the mirror and see what means more. Doing something nice for your partner is always appreciated. Having something nice done for you is always appreciated. Do these things, just do it for the right reasons.

I am and always will be a romantic. Part of being a romantic, as sappy as it may sound, is believing that love is an everlasting feeling shared between two people who have a connection far and above what they feel with others. Believing in that means believing in it every day, not just February 14th. Love; embrace it, celebrate it, and enjoy it, everyday.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day people. Enjoy it in whatever manner it means to you.

Spiro Khouri

Spiro Khouri has called Vancouver home since his inception in 1984. He is a proud resident of the city and is excited to share it with others through his writing in Define Magazine. Spiro loves attending new events and will be bringing them to you on a regular basis.

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