My mom reminded me the other day why I don't like Valentine's Day. This incident, which I had conveniently blocked from my memory for the past seven years, redefined my image of the "holiday" so beautifully accessorized with my favorite color: pink.
A boy, who I wasn't even "going out with," brought a teddy bear -- and a rather ugly one at that -- to my house and dropped it off with my Dad to give to me. Now before you start wondering why this is so bad, let me say this: I was almost positive this boy did not know where I lived, and he gave it to my Dad; my wonderfully overprotective 6-foot 4-inch father who loves his only daughter more than life itself. Enough said.
From then on, I felt this holiday was quite unfair for two categories of people: those who don't have a special someone to spend their day with and those who almost have a special someone to spend their day with.
And therefore, this question arises: What do you do for Valentine's Day for your not-so-maybe-almost-girlfriend-or-boyfriend-type-thing?
The Hallmark holiday, which is so laden with the big "L" word, dances around a touchy area for those who aren't exactly there yet. Do you get a present? A card? Flowers? What types of gifts define a serious relationship and which define friendship?
There are too many stipulations for what I think is a rather stupid made-up holiday that is centered around corporations making lots of money and an ugly half-naked fat man who thinks he knows what everyone wants out of love.
Now, I don't mind all the pink and red.
And any excuse to eat chocolate and get flowers is a plus, but what is all the hype?
I consider myself a romantic at heart, and subsequently I do not understand why anyone needs a special day set aside to tell their significant other how they feel about them.
When you do have someone, shouldn't you tell him everyday how you feel?
For those in a romantically confusing position and yet still panicked about what to do today, here's a quick quiz to gauge the status of your yet un-labeled relationship:
-
When you watch a movie, do you actually watch the movie?
Yes No -
At Starbucks, do you know her order down to a non-fat, sugar-free,
double-shot Vanilla latte?
Yes No -
When you mention his name to your friends do they roll their eyes instead of asking which guy you're talking about?
Yes No -
Do you have articles of clothing and/or a toothbrush at his or her place?
Yes No -
Is it just assumed that you'll hang out this weekend?
Yes No -
Are you comfortable with labels?
Yes No -
Is sex assumed and not just a bonus?
Yes No
Mostly YES?
Why are you even worried if you should be giving your guy or gal something? Sign up for a Tiffany's catalog and start making your way to Woodring's.
Mostly NO?
Don't fret. While you may not be involved in a serious relationship, you're definitely in that in-between spot. Let your own instincts tell you if a quick sprint to the Wal-Mart flower rack will do.
