Love Day

I received a surprise visit at work from SHC, and he came bearing a single red rose (awww). We then went for a lovely simple dinner, and hung out the rest of the night. I wasn't expecting anything romantic this year, as for most years we never go out of the way to celebrate Valentine's day. I guess that's why I was so surprised. I wasn't too sure if we were doing anything that day, anyways!

In any case, I think there is too much emphasis on Valentine's day. It's a weird day, I think. Sure, it celebrates (three) Saint Valentines. But why not have a St. Bernard day (yes there's a saint called Bernard), or Joan of Ark day? A company tried to call it Love Day many many years ago, and many Christian groups went in an uproar because they argued changing the name to Love Day was secularizing the day. I suppose it is, but who really celebrates it as a Christian day? Do people go to church and pray in remembrance of St. Valentines? And again, why don't all the other Saints have celebrated days? Love Day is appropriate because you can share that day with your LOVED ones, and not necessarily just your partner or spouse. I could share that day with my family and friends, if I didn't have a special someone. I wouldn't be left out of all that chocolate and card buying - not that I buy chocolates and cards for Valentines day anyway.

So many single people HATE Valentine's day because it makes them feel bitter that "everyone" else is happy in a romance, while those singles have to spend that day alone. I don't appreciate Valentine's day because I find that it's soooo commercialized, and sometimes it feels obligatory that Feb. 14 is the day you are supposed to be romantic. That's why Love day is appropriate. You don't have to be romantic. You can just spend the day/evening with the ones you love, whether it be friends or family. The "obligation" to buy flowers, chocolates, etc disappears, and thus the presentation of such gifts becomes all the more special.