Valentine’s Day has become somewhat of a controversial topic in recent years with the divide between the single and the spoken for made even more obvious. Like a list of priorities the singletons are pushed to one side while the coupled-up are given the “privilege” of having their names highlighted in bright pink as commercial marketing comes knocking at their door. The singletons feel left out and the loved-up are suddenly bombarded with a huge amount of pressure to make an effort. But why does it have to be that way? Surely everyone can take something good away from Valentine’s Day whether in a relationship or not?“Celebrating love and affection between intimate companions” is the most common definition found for this “Day of Love” and true to its word we all comply and spend the day celebrating our affection for that “special someone in our life”. But who said that had to be a companion of the opposite sex, or even an “intimate companion”? Yes, Yes, I know this is how St Valentine wanted it but why can't people spend the day showing love and affection for their friends. You see many groups of single girls now making it their mission to avoid being alone on Valentine’s Day by going out as a group and I think that’s the best single way to do it. A fun night on the tiles has got to be more exciting than a candle-lit meal where you can’t even see your bloody food, let alone your date. And who knows after a bottle of wine or three, Cupid may pop down and give you a gentle nudge towards Mr Blue-eyes sat in the corner. Although please note if you’re manically depressed about being single, watch the alcohol consumption to avoid a rather embarrassing “I just want a boyfriend” sob later that night, not a good look.
While some may in fact celebrate Valentine’s Day in honour of the late Saint Valentine, in all fairness it is just a commercial hype to push sales. The majority of loved up couples whether they notice it or not are made to think that they have to be doing something romantic - sending flowers, boxes of chocolates, fancy jewellery and candle lit meals out, it’s all really about spending money, and we buy into it.
Right now, I’m aware that I probably sound like one of those manically depressed singletons who’s already decided the names of her cats and decorated their bedroom, but I’m not. I’m actually loved-up with a man who when he wants to be can be very romantic, and yes last year we did have that candle-lit meal where I could barely see my food let alone him, and he did send me a red rose with a lovely little note. I can therefore see why those in a relationship enjoy the holiday so much, because it’s nice to acknowledge that you care for each-other, and of course any girl would agree, whether its diamonds or flowers a gift is a gift and you’re bound to get something even if it is a tiny gesture. Valentine’s Day make you feel good and when you have someone lovely in your life why not celebrate that.
I haven’t written this post to be smug about my blissful love life but the truth is I haven’t been single on Valentine’s Day for a very long time...not through planning; it’s just how my relationships have worked out. But because of this I have been able to see the pros and cons of this heart- shaped day and right now my opinion is stuck in the middle. This year I admit I’m being a bit romantic but I don’t agree that just because it’s Valentine’s Day everyone has to suddenly start pouring their hearts out. For the loved-up Valentine’s Day should be every day and the singletons shouldn’t have to put up with being shoved in the single bin during the two week run up, they should instead be embracing that they haven’t got a human farting machine lying next to them every night.
Look at it this way Valentine’s Day is just another day in the calendar, but to all you love birds,enjoy the romance and for you singletons, if you find yourself desperately searching for love this weekend....stop looking. Cupid will find you one day!
xx<3xx
