Valentines Day Grinch

Some of you may notice a recurring lament in my blogs. How the "deeper meaning" of otherwise worthy days has been hijacked by merchandising and how people sell out.

My dear wife seems to think I've given up on Valentines day. She may be right ... I may be joining her in that. Or we just might need a visit from the Valentines Day Grinch.

From the guys' perspective it is quite clear Valentines day is a commercial set-up. Valentines card - check, the $50+ bouquet already starting to wilt - check, fancy chocolates - check, diamond heart jewelry - well, you really want to show your love, don't you? But then you know that it's the woman at the office who gets the most extravagant bouquet delivered to her that is the most loved, right? These are contests the jewelers and florists love! After all, what guy wants to be guilted for skimping on those obvious shows..? Gift cards, spa and salon gifts, silver, gold, crystal tokens ... the checkli$t for ways guys can "show" that a woman is "worth it" is long.

Why do some women live for those "desperate housewife" moments? "Oh looky what I got from my guy ... let's see yours ... is that it ... oh dear ...". Should the spirit of Valentines Day be measured by showiness and indulgences?

Then there is the Valentines evening out. Or in. A romantic evening. Dancing, drinking, dining, whatever you both enjoy. With your sweetheart. With an emphasis on romance. Or at least that's the idea.

In reality the set-up for Valentines Day is more than just commercial. There are a lot of social "measuring up" expectations set around Valentines Day. All it takes is one "aw-shit" to wipe out days of prep and romantic endeavor. Just one "sorry miss, but we're out of that dish" and tailspin. No pressure, eh guys?

On the gals side, things work a bit different. Instead of the pressure to spend on things for their guy, they spend on things for themselves - for their guy. Lingerie, clothing and embellishments to look and feel romantic - for their guy. No pressure, eh gals? Just look at all those Valentines specials! After all, what guy doesn't want to be seen with his sexy sweetheart. Well, me ... apparently.

So maybe I do need to become the Valentines Grinch and swoop down to remove all those traipsings and glittery showpieces that are used to represent Valentines Day. So that, like the Whos in Whoville, Valentines Day can be turned over to those who know and remember that hugs, giggles, snuggles and the romantic spirit of Valentines Day are much more precious. Back to the innocent times when "be my valentine" was more than candy decoration. Reminding the world that having affection for someone really isn't measured by number of flowers, jewelry, public displays or the loudness of the cash register ka-ching.