RAE'S RANT
What is it about February 14 th that makes grown men and women go for broke over roses, chocolates and diamonds? Sure, I can admit that, as a woman, I appreciate all of those things and more. But Valentine's Day itself makes me a bit...oh I don't know...let's just say irritated, for lack of a better word.
Why would I be irritated one would ask, when I have a wonderful "Man-Friend" that claims to have put my present in the mail all the way from Arizona at least 2 day ago?
Well, let me tell you why. I am irritated because that same "Man-Friend" could have put a package in the mail for me any one of the past 364 days of our relationship. However, he didn't because it never crossed his mind that I might want roses, chocolates and diamonds on any other day, but Valentine's Day.
My question to all of you is this, "Why is that the case?"
Please believe me, I am not ungrateful. I will love whatever he sends to me and thank him for it profusely. But a girl is left to wonder why it takes a commercial holiday like Valentine's Day to give people a reason to do something nice for the person they claim to love 365 days of the year. It just doesn't make sense to me.
And please, don't even get me started on the many women and men that will be left without a Valentine on February 14 th.
To them, this holiday tends to be just another embarrassing solo moment courtesy of a holiday-driven society. I can recall those special moments myself, feeling less and less desirable every time the receptionist delivers yet another bouquet of roses or a singing balloon with chocolates to someone other than me.
In all honesty, I truly believe that it would be easier if we just declared Valentine's Day a federal holiday just to allow those, who are without a significant other, a little reprieve from all of the gift exchanging and displays of love and affection that they simply are not going to receive themselves.
It is quite sad, to say the least.
Yes, I too believe in love, but my question to all of you is this, "Do we need an actual holiday to show it or have we evolved enough to share our true intentions 365 days of the year in a more personal and private manner?"
Contemplate that while you are choking down your box of chocolates and opening an expensive piece of petrified coal. I'm curious as to what you think.
Oh yeah and... HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
XOXOXO,
Rae
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RYAN'S REBUTTAL
If you're reading this now, you most likely have just read "Rae's Rants" regarding the concept of Valentine's Day. Whether you agree or disagree with her, please read on and allow me to offer a rebuttal as to why I believe Valentine's Day is a very special occasion and should continue to be celebrated as a holiday.
First, let's look at what Valentine's Day actually entails. It's a special day that involves giving nice, thoughtful gifts to the one(s) you care about. Hmmm...does this remind you of any other "commercial holidays"? I don't know, can you say Christmas or Birthdays??? (Granted, birthdays are not an official holiday). Nevertheless, Rae writes: "...a girl is left to wonder why it takes a commercial holiday like Valentine's Day to give people a reason to do something nice for the person they claim to love 365 days of the year." You see, Valentine's Day is just like all those other special days minus the Santa Clause, balloons, and cake.
Second, I agree, Singles might feel a bit slighted on this day of love, but that goes the same for any other special day that involves spending time with the one you care about. Why should we place blame on little ol' Valentine's Day? It's like me feeling slighted on Father's Day because I'm not a father. So, to those people who are single and can't stand Valentine's Day, I say get over it. It's only 24 hours. You'll get through it, trust me.
Third, I understand that affection should be shown more than just one day of the year. But at the same time, to counter Rae's argument, there are tons of people that do special things for their significant others throughout the entire year, and not just on Valentine's Day.
So, although Valentine's Day may not be for everyone, it's just like any other holiday in that we give and receive gifts to those we care about. And if you want to single out Valentine's Day as a over-exposed, commercialized holiday, well then I guess I won't be seeing you at Christmas either.
Whether you agree or disagree, tell us your thoughts on Valentine's Day by posting your own blog. And also, check back in with "Rae's Rants/Ryan's Rebuttal to read up on our next topic of discussion.
Yours Truly,
Ryan