February14th. Valentine’s Day. Even if you don’t believe in it, or do anything special for it, you’re bound to know that date when it comes around. The culprits responsible for this particular day sticking in your brain? Local businesses and shops, and the media.
I’m actually surprised that the British public still fall for all the lovey-dovey mush that is churned out of the advertisement business these days. For a start, decorations and signs for Valentine’s Day are put up earlier than ever now, as seems to be the norm for all major public holidays and events (I’m not going mad – you saw Easter eggs being stacked in supermarkets on Boxing Day, too). Walking past Clinton Cards at least two weeks ago, I had no choice but to turn and look at the shower of red and pink on display. We’ve seen it all before; the artificial roses, the glittery hearts stuck to the window, the abnormally large teddy bear sat in all his pride and glory as a centrepiece. It almost makes me feel a little giddy after a while; to me, pink on its own is not the most wonderful thing, so a display full of it is nothing special either.
However, there will be people like me that think nothing of it, but there will also be others who absolutely love this kind of thing. They get butterflies just thinking about what they could buy their sweetheart or crush for Valentine’s Day. That’s why the people running businesses or a chain of shops thrive on such an event; they will make millions from the cards, teddy bears, chocolates etc. that they sell. Now, don’t get me wrong, I see no fault in this; if that is indeed what people enjoy doing, and what people love to be given, then by all means let it happen! But the question I have to ask is: what happened to the nitty-gritty, old-fashioned romance? A sloppily-written letter on a piece of paper that had been ripped at the corner was considered the picture of romance back in primary school, or the awkward shuffle of someone asking their crushout whilst surrounded by their giggling friends. Yes, of course adults are(arguably!) a lot wiser and have more experience, but in my opinion, something as simple as taking a walk and talking for hours on end, or snuggling up together and watching a film that was highly recommended in the TV guide is also truly romantic. Perhaps times like that would be remembered longer, as a box of chocolates and a bunch of roses can only last you so long.
My final point, really, would be that I hope it doesn’t just take a day like Valentine’s Day to bring out the real emotions in people. It is a celebrationof love (warning, it all gets a bit slushy from here...) and surely, thatshould be shown to the person you care about, each and every day? I have no doubt that that is the case with many couples already, but why don’t the media have more on the subject more often? After all, it is a feeling that affects everyone at some point or another. And why do people shy away when they see a couple kissing on the street? I think it’s a perfectly acceptable gesture to make in public; it’s not explicit, and it’s a sign of two people who love and care for each other deeply. That, if anything, is something to be smiled upon. It’s definitely better than a gang of hooded, violent teenagers ‘bopping’ down the road, at any rate!
So, I suppose you could say I’m a bit of a Valentine’s cynic. My boyfriend and I won’t be getting each other anything this year; we just want to spend time together, and have a laugh. But I can only hope Valentine’s Day might be toned down a bit more in years to come, and a more positive message spread throughout the year!
Wherever you are on February 14th, I hope you have a good one!