Teddy bears, armfuls of roses, boxes of sweets in the form of hearts… Pre-holiday fever will grip the cities very soon. This day not only provokes unnecessary spending, but also reminds those who are now alone: you are superfluous at the celebration of life. So, maybe you should abandon the cruel holiday or change its traditions?
Whether we like it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While some are looking forward to a marriage proposal and a diamond ring to boot, others (a small but active minority) propose to cancel all this turmoil. Well, if not canceled, then at least set age limits: we will allow this holiday to be celebrated until the fourth grade — at this age, children give «valentines» to everyone who sits in the neighborhood. Well, if you really want to, you can return to the holiday after sixty.
But what about everyone else? We’ll do just fine without him.
Coach and dating expert Jay Cataldo recalls: “Giving valentines was fun as a kid. But over the years, I fell out of love with this holiday. In my opinion, he only creates problems in the relationship, instead of strengthening them. Couples on this day quarrel because of unfulfilled expectations. In addition, the day he seems to justify the lack of romance in the remaining 364 days. And if you don’t have anyone, then looking at couples walking and flowers sent to colleagues is only upset. The holiday turns into a vanity fair.”
The holiday makes people think that their life does not reach the required level of romanticism.
Radio host Dean Obeidalla agrees: “I don’t like being pressured. Commercials and promotions in stores inspire: if you do not participate in this, then you are not romantic and do not care about your other half. It is better to change the traditions of this holiday. Let those who have a couple give gifts to the lonely so that they do not feel superfluous on this day.
For the owner of the restaurant, Zena Pauline, this holiday is doubly unpleasant: not only is she not married, but also the restaurant’s visitors on this day especially often find fault with the service. “It’s February outside, it’s cold outside, you don’t have a couple, you’re not in the best shape. You have been unsuccessfully trying to change something for several months. And all this is accompanied by a «parade» of happy couples. Valentine’s Day only humiliates single people.»
Three years ago, as a protest, Pauline introduced a special «No» menu to Valentine’s Day.» It includes such items as, for example, the “Unfortunate Betty” cocktail and the hot “Without a pair of your own free will”.
Rutgers University sociologist Deborah Carr, who studies gender relations, explains the reason for the hostility: “The holiday makes people think that their life does not reach the desired level of romanticism. Even those who have a couple may feel disappointed if they are not congratulated the way they wanted. For most people, it’s just a problem. It only benefits restaurants and postcard makers.”
In her opinion, things have only gotten worse in recent years due to the growing popularity of social networks. Now everyone is trying to impress. No one will post a bad photo or a bad gift from a shop around the corner.
It was the news feed on Facebook (an extremist organization banned in Russia) that overwhelmed the patience of graphic designer Scott Manning. A few years ago, he was trying to recover from a breakup with a girl, and then the holiday came. The entire tape was full of bouquets and public declarations of love.
A date on Valentine’s Day is too much of a test for a nascent relationship.
As a joke, Manning registered the page and named it «Petition to Cancel Valentine’s Day». People leave there biting messages and ironic pictures on the theme of the holiday. The author receives mixed reviews. Some want to organize a real rally on the street. Others are furious that Manning encroached on such a wonderful holiday. In fact, Manning cares little about the comments. His page consoles and entertains someone, and this is the main thing.
However, he ran into another problem. He met a girl and accidentally made one of his first dates on Valentine’s Day. Realizing this, Manning panicked. But then they discussed everything and decided that a date that day was too difficult a test for a nascent relationship. So Manning canceled it and decided to spend the day in a more appropriate way: «I’ll stay at home and watch horror movies.»