Of Valentines Day - 2012
It’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow.I usually have a slight feeling of unsettled discomfort as it approached.I always thought that Valentines Day was all about confessing your unrequited love for someone anonymously? No? Because that would be pretty cool. Of course, I’m saying that because I think I’d enjoy receiving things from secret admirers. I can’t say that it’s ever happened to me, but I rather think that I’d enjoy it.I don’t actually like what Valentines Day has become. Its origins are interesting though. I guess I have a fundamental problem with the rampant commercialisation of romance.To me, romance should be inspired and continuous. If it takes one specific publicly-promoted day in the annual calendar for your partner to show any sort of romance towards you, you’re clearly with the wrong person.There are women that agree with me. Or at least they say that they do. The only potential issue for me is that I’ve had conflicting advice.For example:If a woman says to you “Oh, don’t worry about getting me anything for my birthday”, I know (now!) that it is clearly a trap.If a woman says to you “Oh, don’t worry about getting me anything for Valentine’s Day”, my gut tells me that it may be a trap. But only 'may'. She may actually be telling the truth and has no expectations. But, should that risk be taken? Even if you do do romantic gestures as a matter of course, it may actually still be a trap. Sigh. Pitfalls.It’s a hard road being a man.Then there is the issue of what to give?A little research was required. I was highly amused by Heifer International. They've even gone to the extent of generating banner adverts for their offerings.
You can give heifers, goats and more. I liked how they Valentined their pitch: “Not sure what to get that special someone this Valentine's Day? Gifts from Heifer provide a unique and meaningful way to show them you care. Get a gift of bees for your honey, or a tree to show how much your love has grown”.I really do struggle with the overpriced roses. I struggle with faux-romantic offerings of red-wrapped chocolates or tiny soft toys wearing red vests. These things take no thought.If you’re going to indulge in Valentines Day, then at least make some sort of effort to gift your lover something from the heart.So, until tomorrow then.Good luck.- S