Valentine’s Day is right up there with the December holidays! The only thing I like about it is February 15, because the chocolate is on sale. Despite the sales, February 15, bugs me as well with our provincial holiday called, “Family Day,” which sounds far too Christian too me.
Why hate such a holiday? Well, anytime I was in a relationship I rebelled at anything that felt contrived and forced upon me without my consent. Suddenly, because Hallmark says so, I’m supposed to be so in love that I want to go buy a gift, do a dinner or something.
Usually the day ended up in a fight, without the make up sex. Perhaps this is why I’ve learned this Pavlovian response to the day. One time I was traveling across the country, arrived back home quite late, and didn’t have a card or anything and all hell broke lose. Sure, I know, I was a bad boyfriend.
To me it’s like doing drag. All these guys who put down the drag queens can’t wait to put on a dress come October 31st, as if they somehow now have permission to do it. I’ve never felt the need to have permission to get into a costume, especially having been a make up artists. I can do this anytime of the year.
And really, if you are going to go to all that trouble to put on a dress and wig you want to be noticed, and that’s a challenge on Halloween. It’s a far more interesting experience to do it when nobody else is. Trust me, I can vouch for that.
And the same thing rings true for Valentine’s Day. Why not do something when it is not expected? Really, what does a box of chocolates and a card mean exactly. Now I’m just getting fatter, and received unnecessarily used paper that will simply be thrown into the recycling bin.
Today I’m hating more Valentine’s because I’m just bitter.
I’ve been single for so long, and now I’m forced to watch all the couples post their “in love” status updates on Facebook. This is the new form of public demonstration of affection that makes me gag even more than having to ride up an elevator with a couple’s tongues exchanging saliva samples.
The good part is I know why I’m still single. This is because I will no longer just fall into one dating situation after another for the hell of it. If it doesn’t happen, unrushed, and organically, I won’t do it.
At least I can look at Valentine’s Day and be reminded how much I’ve grown from the serial monogamy, and destructively bad choices I’ve made in the past.
I’m still feeling bitter, but I’m also glad that I won’t simply chase any guy down in a desperate attempt at being part of a couple.
I also give written consent to hold an intervention in the event that I do end up with someone and start posting photo booth shots of us kissing, and looking ever-so-happy in-love for the camera so we can share the beautifulness with our friends.
UPDATE: The edge of bitterness is taken off with the planning of a date tonight. Don’t get me wrong, it has nothing to do wtih love. Perhaps this is how to win in a perceived no-win situation.
