As soon as the Christmas decorations come down, the world begins to look like Cupid projectile vomited pink and red all over the storefronts.
An afternoon on the couch will inevitably yield a rom-com with every changed channel and chances are, if you're single, you've resigned yourself to staying home this weekend because your taken friends all have plans. That's right world, Valentine's Day is on a Friday this year.
And while I run the risk of sounding like a bitter, single, 20-something, the truth is, I have never valued Valentine's Day and it confuses me why so many people do.
After reading an article about why every single girl hates Valentine's Day, I began to recall how I felt about the "holiday" even when I was in a relationship.
There isn't much of a discrepancy between then and now — I didn't like V-Day before and I don't like it now. Furthermore, just because I'm single doesn't mean I resent my friends who are in relationships or that I'll be binge eating because I didn't receive flowers (which will probably die within the week).
Check out these reasons everyone should hate Valentine's Day:
The Odd Ones Out
This is the most obvious reason. Granted, if you're single, the day does suck, but not for the stereotypical reasons you probably assume I mean.
While many people argue that Valentine's Day is about celebrating all kinds of love, the truth is, couples rule this day. And even though you may feel content about your state of singledom, society will make you feel like you shouldn't be.
No plans on Valentine's Day? People will probably pity you. Ordering takeout for one? People will probably pity you. Since everyone is overdosing on love and candy hearts, no one really stops to think that a person may be single by choice and, in fact, not eating their feelings.
Maybe they just want some pad thai. Instead of Instagramming the giant cookie your significant other bought you, maybe try not to rub your relationship in everyone else’s face. Life is tough enough without making other people feel that they are somehow lacking because of a relationship status.
Commercialization Of Romance
I may be talking all kinds of crazy right now, but I've never needed a $6 greeting card or a $50 bouquet of roses to realize that someone cares for me. The thought behind expensive gifts is lost in the obligation to purchase them.
February 14 is the day responsible for keeping the floral industry alive and well — I'd much rather have someone convey appreciation for me on any other day of the year instead of littering pink confetti and other useless crap (read: balloons, chocolates, etc.) on random surfaces, because on February 14, it feels necessary.
If you're not making an effort year round, dinner reservations at a cramped restaurant won't cut it. These gifts, at least to me, mean much less on a day when society basically forces you to purchase something for me. If it's not given out of free will, I don't want it. Save your money.
Confusion And Competition
This leads me to my next point. If your significant other doesn't go all out for Valentine's Day, does that mean your love is less legitimate? It might feel that way.
You might be a little less content with your single long stemmed rose when your coworker's desk resembles a greenhouse. The problem with Valentine's Day, especially given the advent of social media, is that it becomes a competition of show and tell.
If your significant other got you something and you didn't tell anyone about it, did you really get something? We are a generation that competes and compares.
We always want to believe the grass is greener on the other side and there's nothing quite like Valentine's Day to rub it in. Given all of the expectations that this day nurtures, there's bound to be an abundance of disappointment. It becomes more difficult to appreciate what you have when you're bombarded with evidence of what everyone else has.
The bottom line is that the true meaning of Valentine's Day has become lost and distorted and forgotten. Any one of these descriptions is adequate. On a day meant to celebrate the people who mean the most to us, we’ve become wrapped up in trivialities.
This is true for everyone — single people and those in relationships. Take some time to reevaluate what this day and what your significant other really means to you. Try not to get lost in the hustle and bustle and just enjoy each other.
And still, whether you're single or committed, it's just another Friday. Next time you're feeling sorry for the single girls on Valentine's Day... don't. I don't like to share my food anyway.
Top Photo Courtesy: We Heart It
