I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. Besides the fact it’s one of the annoying ‘candy holidays’ that I fight with my kids over (‘Mom, can we have candy for breakfast, lunch and dinner?’), I’m old enough to remember the days when teachers hadn’t yet gotten the message about how important inclusivity is. My childhood is full of such trauma—like gym teachers actually having us choose sides—or even worse, the dreaded Valentine’s Day class parties.
I’m dating myself big-time, but in my elementary school days, you only brought Valentines for the kids you actually liked or were friends with, not everyone. I remember sitting at my desk, a decorated paper bag taped to the front of it, praying fervently to every deity out there I’d get at least five Valentines. Okay, maybe three. Or…one? Luckily I was one of those kids who ended up with a respectable handful from my circle of friends, but I was envious of the girls who went home with their bags overflowing…
…or winced in sympathy for the less popular kids who didn’t have more than one or two to enjoy.
The whole thing was barbaric.
(BRB, I’m having stress flashbacks right now.)
I’ve been with my husband for almost twenty years, and Valentine’s Day is basically meaningless to us anymore. It was fun while we were dating and as newlyweds, but now it just seems like an obligation and waste of money.
(‘Oh, thanks for the card, babe! How sweet!’ *throws in trash when he’s not looking*)
Of course when I was single, Valentine’s Day could still be epic torture, especially if I was fresh from a breakup. I would have loved to attend an Anti-Valentine’s Day party like I portray in Love and the Exorcism. Burning stuff? Bring it! Strong drinks? Keep ‘em coming!
So here is Suzanne’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Ex-orcism in all its glory, drink recipe and all.
If you’re a Valentine’s Day hater too, enjoy!
I’d love to give away ebook copies of my Dreamspinner short story, Love and the Exorcism, to a few random commenters! Tell me how you feel about Valentine’s Day…love it or hate it?
Until next month,
Mel
I have never liked Valentines Day. I like you am old enough to remember the school days and angst that came with Valentines day. I had a teacher that insisted that everyone had to give cards to everyone else and I loved it. I think that you should show love everyday not just on a commercial made holiday.
For me the best part of Valentine’s Day was decorating the box! But what really dates me is I went to school in a one room country school house…everyone got a card from everyone else but there was no candy at all. Nope…even as an adult I never got excited by Valentine’s Day. Just a lot of commercialism!
I’d rather go out for dinner just because! And I can buy my own gift…lots and lots of books by my favorite authors!
I could take I or leave it. I much prefer my husband to show how much he cares by doing something for me throughout the year, on his own, rather than be told he should one day of the year. And seriously, buying flowers or candy or jewelry is not the only or best way to show your love. Just my opinion.
I love it but mu husband does not. So I buy myself something and say it is from him.
I’m not exactly a Valentine’s Day hater but I never really cared for it. It’s just another normal day for me.
It’s become a manufactured holiday that makes single people feel inadequate and people in relationships feel anxious. And a Valentine only has to love you one day a year, what’s the point?
I’m indifferent. Initially, Valentine’s Day is pretty much “Western” (or is American) culture. So it’s not a big deal when I grow up. Only after a lot of pop culture coming into the media, and then the retailers are getting into it, we see Valentine’s being celebrated everywhere. Since I’m single (I’m asexual aromantic), again, it’s just another normal day for me.