The Many Adventures of a Thede

What is it about Valentine's Day? It's such a weird holiday. Some people like it, some people REALLY don't. Well, first of all, let's squelch the myth that it is a "Hallmark" holiday. Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who refused to follow the Roman law ordering that young men remain single. The Emperor supposedly did this to grow his army, believing that married men did not make for good soldiers. The priest Valentine, however, secretly performed marriage ceremonies for young men and women. When Claudius found out about this, he had Valentine executed. So, Valentine was a martyr for love.

Ok, now that we all know the history, let's look at why people hate this holiday so much now. I guess it reminds single people that they are single. But I've always thought of the day the same way I did when I was in elementary school. It's a day to show people you love them. When I was younger I usually got a card from my mom on Valentine's Day. And of course, we had the parties at school where everyone made a mailbox out of a shoe box and then you walked around the room giving everyone in your class a Valentine with some kind of cartoon or joke on it. And what's wrong with that? It's nice to get cards and candy. I don't need to have a special someone in my life to enjoy Valentine's Day. I have actually never in my adult life had a date on Valentine's Day. But I don't dread it.

Now, here's the flip side of this chocolate coin. Sometimes even if you have a special someone to share Valentine's with, you are still very disappointed. Either the guy forgets or he doesn't meet your standards in some way. Girls can be very high maintenance on these kinds of occasions. And what if he doesn't bring you flowers? What if he doesn't buy you a gift? What if he doesn't dress nice enough or take you to a nice enough place? I have to say that none of these fears have ever really entered my mind. Because whether you have a date or you don't, Valentine's Day is simply a day to tell people you love that you love them. That's all. Make a big deal if you want, but I think it's more fun to get Laffy Taffy Valentines.