Valentine's Day

One holiday on your calendar sparks more bitterness and anger than any other: the holiday meant to celebrate love. The reasons for this anger are not terribly varied; usually they can be traced to three things:

1) The extreme commercialism surrounding the holiday
2) Not having anyone to celebrate with
3) Increased pressure to be exceptionally romantic

Over the past week I've heard various themes on these arguments, often involving more than one of the above causes for anguish. While I can commiserate with the plight of those who are lonely, commitment-phobic, disillusioned, and poor, I can't help but think all of these issues come from over-thinking and not from the holiday itself.

Case in point: I had a lovely Valentine's Day. I'm single and received no flowers or chocolates from anyone. However, I did not hole up in my apartment lamenting the fact. I went to City Bakery and had delightful "love potion" hot chocolate with good friends who helped me stuff valentine cards for a party I went to afterwards. At the party, I ate dinner with my hands tied to my two nearest companions (a difficult but entertaining feat). I spent time with friends, talked about the importance of telling our loved ones (family, friends, lovers...) that we love them and showing it, and ate delicious food.

I had a fabulous time and returned home happy. To those of you who suffered through the holiday this year, I put forth this challenge: Next year, don't take things so seriously. Do something silly and spend time with the people you love (or just like a lot). If commercialism bothers you, bake some cookies. Unless you truly hate the idea of love or have absolutely no one in your life for whom you have fond feelings, there is no reason to dread the celebration of it.

Go out and love somebody.