Valentine's. Why did it have to be Valentine's?

[image error]Like many people, I have a love/hate relationship with the modern Valentine's Day.  I love the sentiment behind the idea – not to mention the chocolates – but kinda hate the execution.  Red hearts?  Overpriced flowers?  Requisite expressions of saccharine emotion that you seem forced to make on this ONE DAY – as opposed to say, every other day of the year.

And what if you are unattached?  You are automatically made to feel bad by every googly-eyed cupid in every shop window, and end up buying yourself chocolates half-price the day after in a fit of unloved pique.  (Er, not that I've ever done that… and certainly not juicy, delicious, chocolate covered cherries…)

Granted, this is only through observational study and not any scientific method, but the best I can figure out Valentine's, it's this: Guys in relationships feel pressure to woo their beloveds with absolutely no originality, women in relationships agonize over whether their beloved will come through in expressing their true feelings via said unoriginality, while the singles eat all the chocolate.

These observations may seem cynical, especially coming from a romance novelist.  Indeed, romance novelists by their trade have to believe in love, romance and happy ever afters.  But I believe in them 24/7, not just one day.  So, believing in love, but not enjoying Valentine's exclusivity, I would like to propose a compromise:

Instead of spending Valentine's Day celebrating love – why not spend Valentine's Day celebrating what you love?

If you happen to have a significant other, and love them, have at it.  You're all set with overpriced flowers.  But maybe you should think a little broader.  Do you love dogs?  Today's a great day to volunteer at your local animal shelter!  Love 70s horror movies?  Have a screening party of The Exorcist and The Omen!  Love Polynesian cuisine?  Dig a pit in your backyard and get to roasting that suckling pig!  Love college basketball and chicken wings?  Every bar in America is your 2nd home, my friend.

When it comes right down to it, any celebration of something as good as love is a good thing.  But don't limit yourself to the flowers and chocolates.  And don't limit yourself to what the holiday tells you it's celebrating.

As for me, I'm going to spend the day in true splendor – riding Space Mountain, with my sweetheart by my side.

Until next time sweets, happy Valentine's Day!