V-Day Plans?
With the big, Hallmark-beloved holiday on the horizon, I was interested in knowing what others on this blog think of Valentine's Day...
1) Do you think Valentine's Day is a valid holiday or just a commercial conspiracy?
2) Do you usually want to have plans for February 14th?
3) What will you be doing on that day, if anything?
1) Do you think Valentine's Day is a valid holiday or just a commercial conspiracy?
2) Do you usually want to have plans for February 14th?
3) What will you be doing on that day, if anything?
posted by Jennifer @ 7:08 PM
12 Comments:
At 5:25 AM, February 05, 2008,
Phossil said…
I think V-Day is a mix between a valid holiday and a commercial day. I mean, a special day too buy-flowers commercial saturated, but anyway i like this special day.
For the moment, i still dont have plans for this day.
At 6:57 AM, February 05, 2008,
The Prufroquette said…
I liked Valentine's Day better when we were little and made out those cute valentines to everyone we knew, and collected them in hand-decorated shoeboxes. Nobody felt left out (usually), everybody got something, there was always candy, and that adorable little-kid shyness when you handed a valentine to someone you secretly really liked.
As an adult, I find it harder to maintain balance and an upbeat attitude in a culture which holds that Valentine's Day is a day either to celebrate your love extravagantly, or spend the time dressed in black awash in misery or cynicism.
I may plan to change what I can in my own little circle, to bring back some of the childhood innocence -- and universalism -- that made Valentine's Day so enjoyable to me as a child. Maybe this year I'll bake cookies for the people in the office, and give my friends little valentines. Something to spread some cheer, and maybe give myself a little balance.
My own holiday this year will probably be spend helping my best friend and her husband prepare for the imminent arrival of their first baby. I can't think of a better celebration.
At 10:12 AM, February 05, 2008,
none said…
I sort of hate how much importance is placed on Valentine's Day... this feeling that you either have to be gushing and in love, or moping and miserable. I usually think of it as my birthday-eve, and that keeps me pretty happy. Last year, I had dinner with some girlfriends on V-Day and that was really fun. I still usually get little-kid-style Valentine's in the mail from a couple of my friends because they're silly that way. :)
I think when (if?) I am ever in a relationship, one of the things I will enjoy is finally having someone to appreciate and be appreciated by on V-Day.... it can definitely be a day when I feel like I'm not a member of a secret club.
I don't have any plans this year. It falls on a Thursday, which probably means that I will be studying that evening. The heart, actually. How ironic.
At 10:40 AM, February 05, 2008,
Jennifer said…
Science girl, you know what? You're studying the heart, and doing something you love and feel called to do. That sounds like a pretty decent Valentine's Day to me.
Romantic love is a wonderful thing, but I feel I've come to appreciate the kind of love that doesn't come with a kiss or an "I Love You". Loving people, loving others, loving life is just as important - if not more so.
This year, I'll be working on V-Day. While grocery shopping, I saw these ready to bake red heart-shaped sugar cookies and I'd like to bake a few batches and bring them to the newsroom. On the other hand, I'm wondering if that's a little too childish.
This is the first Valentine's Day where I've been dating someone. I'm still not sure if we'll do anything when I see him that weekend.
When I was single (which was not too long ago) I felt like a loser when I'd be arriving back at the dorms from the library only to find a bunch of couples making out in the lobby. Remember MAP anyone? MEP?
At 2:13 PM, February 05, 2008,
Marianne said…
This will be my first ever Valentine's Day having a boyfriend, but I don't know that we're "doing" anything. I went to the bookstore to look for a card, but they all made me want to puke. So...nix the card idea. Heart-shaped cookies would be pretty cute, and goodness knows he likes any and all food gifts!
Last VDay, one of my best friends came over wth 4 John Cusack movies and the ingredients for all of these ridiculous cocktals, including one called "Better than Sex." We made a dozen cupcakes, ate them all, and watched 3 of the movies. It was pretty fabulous and fun.
As always, I think the commercialism is pretty sickening, and the idea of an exclusive "club" is pretty cruel, but I really like the sentiment behind the holiday and the idea of celebrating love. And who doesn't like those message hearts?
At 4:17 AM, February 08, 2008,
David said…
1. Its a joke. I rue the day above all others in the year. And I am not a cynic.
2. Yes. Just like I want to have plans on many of the other 365 days of the year.
3. The same as ever, working, trying to ignore all the people celebrating the fact that they have someone.
I think its rude. I don't see it as a holiday to commemorate love, which is something lovers should be doing every freakin day anyway. I see it as a holiday to ostracise people who don't have anyone.
At 5:14 PM, February 08, 2008,
la persona said…
Valentine's Day has grown on me like a hot pepper since I worked abroad. In Mexico, Valentine's Day -- February 14 -- is called the "Day of Friendship." When I taught my students that in America, it's normally conceived as a day for couples and lovers, they thought we were crazy. Ever since (well, six months), I've tried to think of V-Day much more expansively -- a shared day in which to remember the people who matter most in your life.
Commercialism aside, I think rituals -- heart-shaped cookies, a designated day, what have you -- are good more the soul. That, and the story behind St. Valentine is pretty cool too.
For Valentine's Day, my ambiguous ex/someone booked a ticket to visit me. But, taking 18 credit hours, filling out grad school apps, and working 30 hours a week ... I've chosen to remain single for the sheer love of learning.
Happy v-day, all! :)
At 4:47 PM, February 10, 2008,
The Prufroquette said…
See, that's what I'm talking about. Hooray, multiculturalism!
P.S. I'm in the hospital right now, awaiting the birth of Meg & Phillip's baby. It's going to be awhile yet, but she's on her way! So exciting!
At 9:18 AM, February 11, 2008,
Jennifer said…
Did she have the baby??? Do tell!
At 6:27 PM, February 11, 2008,
Nic said…
Last year on V-Day I was in the process of going through a break-up. We still gave each other cards - we both knew it was over but wanted to "be nice" and say thank you for the good times.
In the past, the best V-Day I ever had was with a bunch of girlfriends and a bucket. We all purchased a bottle of alcohol and tipped it in the bucket (it actually didn't taste too bad). Then we spent hours toasting friendship and girlfriends and singleness. Yes, I had a hangover the next day, but oh, it was fun. :)
And this year? I intend to let the day just pass me by.
At 8:13 AM, February 12, 2008,
The Prufroquette said…
My best friend and her husband had their first baby shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Monday (yesterday). She's a beautiful, healthy baby girl, named Josephine Sandra; mother Meg is doing splendidly; and Phillip is euphoric. A wonderful family. I'm so glad to be a part of it! Now I have a little niece to love and spoil. My very own little Valentine. ;)
At 2:26 PM, February 12, 2008,
Jennifer said…
Yay!!! That's so wonderful!
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