Valentine's Day Not a True Portrayal of Love

By BRYNN BOYER and ANNE ELDER

We like chocolate.  We like flowers.  We even like pink.  But thinking of Valentine’s Day makes us madder than getting a “package received” notification from the UMW Post Office after its already closed.

It’s not that we’re opposed to the idea of the holiday.  We aren’t bitter cat ladies with personal vendettas against sharing our feelings.  And we certainly don’t think people should hold in their feelings.

But why does Hallmark have control over when and how we display our affections?

The media’s portrayal of Valentine’s Day gives people false expectations of what real relationships are like.

If everyone went by commercialized standards, we wouldn’t say how we really feel or give a meaningful gift unless we are dressed up at a candlelit dinner, with a sappy stream of one-liners right before a dramatic surprise with a big red bow around it.

Commercials for Valentine’s Day make people think that displays of affection are only annual events.   Saying “I love you” doesn’t need to be dramatic and accompanied by a black velvet box from Zales.

One day shouldn’t have to be the defining moment in all relationships.

Gifts and dates are not limited to one arbitrary day when everyone else is doing the same thing.

Relationships should progress in a way that is right for the two people involved, without the pressure of having to say ‘I love you’” or “I have to give her this today.” Otherwise, it doesn’t count.

Trust us—it would mean more on any other day of the year, when we knew the idea wasn’t provoked by sappy commercials with drifty piano music in the background.

In addition to this, Valentine’s Day implies that flowers, chocolate and presents are only for people in relationships.

People without a significant other enjoy these gifts just as much. There just aren’t any greeting cards that say, “I do what I want whenever I want…and I can buy my own chocolate.”