Valentine's Day Massacre

Valentine's Day is among us once again. And it must be a busy day for most people who are fortunate enough to be in a relationship at the current moment. Roses, romantic candlelit dinners, chocolates, sweet cards. I almost want to feel sorry for all the guys out there that try so hard to make their significant other happy. I've never been a person that demanded to be wined, dined and all that fancy stuff. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm just like any other warm-blooded woman. I love all that mushy-romantic stuff. I enjoy it! But that doesn't mean that I want it on the same day that some major card producing company decided to make every living man guilty and make them actually take out one day a year, to celebrate an over-commercialized and "romantic" holiday just for us ladies. I'm a sucker for surprises. I like that better. I like special "we" dates much more than just some day in the middle of February. I guess my hatred for such day stems from my earlier experiences as a child, and young adult with this holiday.

I am positive everyone can remember having to go to school with at least enough "Valentine" cards for everyone in your classroom. Having to make a little "mailbox", and getting time to share your cards. I remember those days. I also can recollect being forgotten not just by one or two other classmates but by almost a dozen, in 3rd grade. I was a rather shy and quiet kid, who spent most of my early schooling in the front of the class, napping from boredom. It really hurt to be forgotten like that. I remember my teacher giving me a beautifully handmade card she made for me. But it still couldn't replace the fact that I had been overseen. I guess in truth that card she made me was worth more than the cheesy valentine cards that the valentine nazis make for kids.

Fast forward to the tender age of 15. I was allowed to date, and I had a "boyfriend" (someone I'd much rather now call a make-out buddy!). He worked in one of those stands that sells flowers and bears and all that other Valentine's crap for people to pick up on their rush home. It was Valentine's and I was excited to actually have a boyfriend, plus he worked at the flower stand, so he had NO excuse to forget! I see his buddy walking towards me with a dozen white roses, and a big plush white bear. I was delighted! I ran and opened the door, clawing at the card like a derranged woman! I look around to my family, and see the approval on my mother's face. She asks me to read it out loud. Hurriedly, I tear it open and what do I see?

"Hey, sorry...But I don't want to go out with you anymore, I found someone else.

Happy Valentine's Day.

-Marquez"

My heart sank to the floor. I couldn't believe it. He had sent his friend, Bubba to break up with me. He couldn't even be man enough to do it himself. So, after that experience and having to be humiliated in front of my family, not to mention, Bubba. My brother kinda smirked. And my mom said, It's okay. You'll be alright. Are you kidding me? I just got broken up through a card on Valentine's day!

So, I suppose that is where my hatred can be explained in those small instances. It's funny, though. My kitchen has always been decorated in a Valentine's theme. Why? Because I love red, white, and hearts! I love red roses. I have a pretty large tattoo of a red rose on my back. It's a cute holiday, but it makes people feel left out, inadequate, and just plain silly. I hate going to the stores and seeing all these plush gorillas and bears. I mean what actual grown adult wants these in there bedroom, or their house even?! It's so ridiculous! Now chocolates, that's better. But who wants a heart shaped box of cheap chocolates? Get me a couple truffles from Godiva, and I'll be good. And not just on the 14th of February. How about any other day of the year, just because you thought of me on the way home.

Love shouldn't be about chocolates, or how many roses you can get at work. Or what posh restaurant you can get into on Valentine's. Don't get me wrong, it's nice to receive every once in awhile. But that's the commercialism of love. Real love isn't candlelit dinners and romantic escapades each day. It's about those times when you're sick, and they still find you attractive. It's them schlepping in the snow to go get chili when your belly desires it. It's driving further away than your house after work, to spend some time with that person. It's a million other things. Romance is dying, they say. But it isn't if you have the heart to do things for one another out of love. Valentine's Day is stupid, if you let it ruin February for you.

Happy Valentine's Day......

May you all not have a massacre....