I have hated Valentine's Day for as long as
I have been aware of its existence and also the expectations that are
associated with it. I hated it back in Primary school when my peers were giving
and receiving folded paper with hearts drawn on them, to each other as
Valentine's cards. This was because I never saw the point of doing it, as well
as the fact that I was not brave enough to give one to the girl I desired in my
class, and also due to the fact I never received one.
At secondary school, it was very similar
(just not as many crayon-drawn hearts on sheets of paper). Everybody had
something, apart from me who had nothing. The only things I got were cards and
gifts that were given by friends when they felt sorry for me: usually after an
angry rant given on the 13th February. This has been the reason why there are
so many posts on this blog that moan about the whole charade of Valentine's Day,
or mocking it. For example, last year I made my increasingly popular
'Unrequited Love Album'. Those songs were ones that made me think of the girl I
loved, but couldn't have. People keep saying that playlist was really good. And
why was that? It’s because all the songs held a strong meaning with me.
This year, I didn't listen to that
playlist. I, in fact, listened to Phil Collins. As you are probably aware, I
have now got the girl that I wanted and desired. For the first time, instead of
spending the days prior to Valentine's Day ranting at every person who would
listen (and even people who wouldn't), I spent the time trapped in a consumer
World filled with red hearts and Me To You bears where the prices of everything
remotely romantic shoots up. It makes you wonder why Cupid is still wearing a
nappy when he makes all that money every year.
However, part of the contract of being in a
relationship means that I have to undertake in this expensive shambles. I spent
a long time in card shops, walking up and down trying to decide: What was the
right card to get? What wrapping paper was best? Should I buy Clichés? Is this
all just a waste of money?
I ended up buying the girlfriend a giant
card, which is so large it can't stand up by itself. I also got her two
bouquets of roses, cupcakes, a Me to You bear and friendship bracelets, and it
was all wrapped in Me to You paper. We didn't spend a great deal of the day
together due to University commitments, but in the evening, we went out for a
pizza.
Now, I'm not someone who would deprive
couples with children to not go out and enjoy their relationship. However,
their attempts to spend a 'romantic' meal together ruin it for everyone else.
If they are so desperate to go out on Valentine's Day, then they should get
someone to look after their rotten, dirty, screaming children. I wouldn't go so
far as to say they ruined our meal, but I spent a lot of time wondering whether
or not kicking the two children in the face would lead to jail time… I didn't
do anything to them in the end, but surely I should be able to have a quiet
conversation with my girlfriend over a meat feast pizza with stuffed cheese
crust and garlic bread.
Mind you, we nearly didn't make it to the
restaurant as the bus driver was being rather reckless: speeding over bumps,
braking at the last moment and sliding around roundabouts. I think maybe he
didn't get a Valentine's card or present, and was set out on killing us.
Anyway, as Valentine's Day's go; this was
the best. This was despite the fact that because of errors by Clinton Cards
and/or Royal Mail, I didn't get my Valentine's card from the other half until a
week later. It was the best I have ever had; however most might say that is
because it is the only one I have properly had. The only issue I have with the
day was how expensive everything was. There were many occasions where I was on
the Internet or in a shop, saw something that I liked, and then didn't once I
saw the price. Valentine's Day is just an excuse for shops and their owners
(Yes, I am talking about you Mr Clintons!) to make money out of people who have
unwillingly signed up for this whole charade when they entered a relationship.
So, what are my final thoughts on
Valentine's Day? I never realised there was so much Me to You branded stuff.
And also, it is a brilliant day to experience when you are in love with
someone, but not if you happen to love a full wallet more. Oh, and Cupid: Get some clothes!
