We have all, I am sure, endured both sides of Valentine’s Day. I for one have enjoyed both the sappy side (the flowers-and-chocolates, the hand-crafted sonnets, the romantic dinners out…or in 
) and the sinister side (the crass commercialism, the bah-humbugging, the why-am-I-so-alone??? heartache). Let’s face it – mid-February in the northern hemisphere is bleak at best. It’s cold and dark and still so very far away from the sweet days of summer. It kind of makes sense that we vehemently celebrate/criticize this random day – if only to make at least this one day just a little more exciting than the rest – doesn’t it?
Now, I’m not one to typically go along mindlessly with anything. In fact, I was nicknamed “Gumby” at my last job because I continually worked well beyond the confines of my job description. The same holds true for many of my current roles and relationships – I endeavor to conscientiously define myself and act based on my current situation rather than on societal dictates. The “rules” and “status quo” are for schmucks in my opinion (within reason, of course). So why should Valentine’s Day bee any different? Hahaha. <ahem>
Yes, every day should be an opportunity to express your love / appreciation / gratitude. But how often do we get so caught up in the mundane that we just don’t? Or we put it off until later? Or we simply forget? I like to think of this day as a reminder to express those things that you might otherwise not. Plus, let’s face it – not every guy out there is Mr. Romance. Some of them need this reminder – as artificial as it may be. And likely a few of the ladies as well.
But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be only for school children to swap penny-cards or for lovers to try and express their hearts. Valentine’s Day is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate love in all it’s forms. Why not spread a little gratitude around today? Actually look that extra-helpful cashier in the eye with a genuine “thank you”… fire off a “thinking of you” e-mail to that old college roommate you haven’t seen in a while, but that changed your life… call your mom and tell her you love her, if you’re lucky enough to have one that you adore… You never know what tomorrow may bring, so make the effort now to share your appreciation while you can.
Of course, if the situation warrants, feel free to curse the day instead. I remember one February years ago when I got together with a bunch of my girlfriends to let go of some collective negativity. We were at our annual “Nasty Rascal” party, that particular year’s theme being “Heal That Nasty Rascal” (I shall have to dedicate a post to these parties one day as explaining them may take some time… suffice to say they were ladies only parties that revolved around our relationships with, well… penises and the men that sported them, I suppose). Anywho…
At that particular party, after we’d shared some wine and tales of heartbreak, we did something about it. I had picked up a bunch of little inexpensive plates at a thrift store on which we all wrote our grievances – past hurts, sorrows, and anger that we’d been carrying around with us for too long. We then went downstairs to a dumpster in the alley and ceremoniously hurled these troubles in the big, blue bin. They shattered with an incredibly satisfying sound.
Next, we all got a handful of multi-coloured cardboard penises that my friend and I had cut out ahead of time. On these we wrote the names of those people in our lives – both male and female – who had been (if you’ll pardon the language here) “dicks” to us. For me this included authority figures who had inappropriately hit on me… friends and family members who had behaved badly… former boyfriends that I had reason to regret ever having dated… you get the idea. We then collectively posted dozens these “dicks” under a bridge near my place. The sight of it (and the thought of other people finding them) was very pleasing indeed.
Finally, we had a little bonfire to burn unwanted relics of the past, if we had them – photos, letters, etc. It was one last chance to release their hold on us. And then somberly, we returned to the party… and lightened the mood with a little play doh sculpting of yes, penises. It was a night to remember to say the very least. The point IS, whether you revel in the warm fuzzy feelings or do something to help you get rid of the dark niggley ones, why not take this opportunity to turn Valentine’s Day into something more meaningful for you? Just a thought.
On that note, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting my little corner of the blogosphere. You guys rock! May today and every day be filled with love. =)
Valentines courtesy of Monkeyboy Jr. and his Grade 1 “Val-Pals”.
