“Today is Valentine’s Day. Or, as men like to call it, Extortion Day.” — Jay Leno
I don’t necessarily dislike Valentine’s Day. I guess a better word would be indifferent. In my relationship, we already do so much for one another on a daily basis…how could some trite card or overpriced dinner mean more? It doesn’t and it couldn’t.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a day dedicated to honoring the loves in your life—romantic or otherwise—there’s no need to spend billions to do it. But that’s what Valentine’s Day has become: the embodiment of commercialization. The restaurants, florists, candy makers, and diamond dealers work in unison to tap into our minds and put the squeeze on our hearts. There is enormous pressure to do and buy more for the person in your life. And if you don’t have someone to do more for, then you might as well forget it. It’s time to put an end to the Valentine’s Day hype once and for all. No matter what your relationship status, it’s time to reclaim the day for your own. A few ideas:
1. Take the money you would have spent on dinner and donate it to a food bank. There are millions of families struggling to put a meal on the table.
2. Start a new tradition. Go check out the newest show at the museum. Hike a new trail. Have a movie night with your best friend. There are no rules except to have fun!
3. Celebrate Singles’ Awareness Day!
Whatever you choose to do, feel good about doing it on your terms—not Hallmark’s.
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