I’m thinking about tomorrow. It is Valentines’ Day. “Hallmark holiday” screams in my mind before I am even able to reach for an original thought. It is, right? Cards are written for us, restaurants set moods for us and cliches have been created for us. This is terrible. My strong individuality screams that I should rebel against something so contrived and so incredibly based in consumerism. But. But. Capitalism is based on marketing to need. Is it possible that Valentine’s exists because we need it? How foolish to promote a day that asks us to do something we do every day. Who would buy a generic declaration of love after declaring love and devotion in one’s own voice? “No one needs to remind me to tell my partner that I love them! I will get to it.” You sure? If we all took the time to make sure those who matter know they matter, I am quite sure that VD would fall to the wayside. (Sure there is a joke there). Rather than discount the Hallmark moment, maybe we should work to appreciate it and try valiantly to make it obsolete. Most likely impossible. Hard to appreciate breathing unless drowning. Difficult to acknowledge sight unless blinded. We are creatures who assume benefits while looking for the next with little or no time to reflect on the gifts already collected. I am not judging us for that, it is our condition, but perhaps we may appreciate holidays that seek to remind us that almost all we have is due to what we overlook and take for granted; whether this be a wife, husband, parent, friend, lover or oneself.
I remember being a young insecure boy who was sure I would never find someone to love me. I was wrong and that is good. I found someone who loves me.
I told myself that if someone ever did love me that I would be forever grateful. I was wrong and that is bad. I need to say thanks to someone who loves me.
I guess VD is not so bad.
Cheers