Ah… Valentine’s day; when love is in the air- or is it? It certainly wasn’t in Saudia Arabia yesterday where in that country, the color red is actually banned from use, because the holiday is considered to be a “sin.” And it definitely was not in India, where a hard-line Hindu political party made it illegal to show any public displays of affection. And while those cases are extreme in measure, in many cases, the day just brings sour emotions and too much pressure in the first place- so maybe the Saudi’s and Hindu’s are onto something!
On this special day of “love and affection,” why does it seem that so many men often end up acting like thoughtless idiots? And many women just simply set their expectations too high, so what’s a guy to do? It seems you sure can’t win for trying on a day like Valentine’s! The Japanese seemed to have taken some of the pressure off for men. In that country, the women traditionally buy gifts for their men on Valentine’s Day. (Nice change of pace, huh guys?) Among the most popular items in that country this Valentines; Chocolate covered bugs (or at least chocolates designed to look like bugs!) But yes, in many other countries, the men often get the short end of Cupid’s arrow! It seems that all the pressure to please is haplessly placed upon them.
The Gorilla finds this extremely unfair, and hey, maybe the Saudi’s, and Hindu’s do as well! Could it be, that it is the real reason for the extreme laws in those countries? Who knows, the real deal, but at least those men are spared from the pain and torture of having to “come through.” Research shows that men really do try hard to please their significant other on Valentine’s day, with over 60% of them buying their lover’s flowers and/or candy. But sadly, there are many single people who suffer silently on this day for lovers and couples.
Somehow, the Holiday is a stark reminder for some of them that “yes, I am ALONE!” In fact, eight million Americans have actually sent themselves a gift on Valentine’s Day, according to a survey released this month. Who could blame these individuals for wanting to avoid the potential embarrassment of being thought of as somehow “unworthy” or “undesirable,” while their co-workers are being inundated with gifts and flowers at the office. While Valentines Day is meant to focus on love and appreciation, it doesn’t always end up being the case. The telephone poll of 1,000 Americans, conducted by the marketing technology company Bill Me Later and surveyors, Ipsos Insight, also found 6 million people have broken up with someone on February 14. Now that is harsh! You couldn’t have waited one more day? Yes, dear old Saint Valentine himself would cringe if he could see the commercialization and materialism, (not to mention the extreme pressure) that the day has come to symbolize.
Look folks, Valentine never intended for the day to become a “holiday” and could never have known it would become one of the most commercial holidays ever. The good Roman priest was simply trying to purvey acts of goodness, by performing secret weddings to soldiers and their lovers, who were banned from marriage because the emperor at that time didn’t want his soldiers going away to war pining for their wives. The thought was simplistic as was the idea and intent. So why can’t we all just relax and enjoy the day, regardless of whether we are single or in a relationship? And besides, if you are in a relationship, every day should be a new opportunity to show the one you love and appreciate how special they are. Lighten up people. Love should make you want to sing and dance- not scream and cry!