Jaime's So Called Life

I don't like Valentines Day. I think Valentines Day is dumb. It's phony. I can say this out loud now that I have a wonderful, loving boyfriend that I'm head over heels in love with! When you're single and you state that Valentines Day is lame everyone thinks you're just petty and jealous. There are so many reasons why I'm an anti-Valentines Day fan.

The holiday is forced down your throat by the radio, stores, TV, restaurants, billboards, it's every where! It's a marketing conspiracy. Hearts, candy and teddy bears OH MY! The last thing I want or need is a stuffed animal. I haven't liked teddy bears since before I was allowed to watch PG-13 movies. And I don't need anymore more crap to put away in storage. I'm not a candy snob by no means but non named brand boxed chocolates are gross. And don't get me started on the chalky hearts with little sayings. Does anyone really like them?

Is there any real effort put into this holiday of love? I was watching a commercial the other night where 2 guys were racing around the store grabbing random junk off the shelves for their significant others; balloons, perfume, underwear, chocolates, cards.  It was their one stop shop for thoughtless gifts. Remember to pull that clearance sticker off the stuffed bunny fellas.

The competitiveness between women on this day is ridiculous. Listening to friends compare their bouquet of flowers or what he served for breakfast in bed. And how he is taking her to a dinner in the city tonight only cause he LOVES her. Neither of them questioning why their boyfriend can't do nice things out of the blue ever. I think the holiday is an excuse for all those below average boyfriends to make up to their girlfriends in one swift moment. Cheap candy and dinner. She'll be on cloud nine and will momentarily forget about all the things he doesn't do for her the rest of the year. A deadbeat is Prince charming for the night.

I strongly dislike (because hate is a little harsh to use on this day of love) that this special day for couples magnifies the sting of being alone for others. I know this feeling because I have had to stomach many of Valentines Days solo. And maybe my lack of fondness towards Valentines Day stems from spending many of them alone. So be it. But I stick by my belief. Valentines day is a mockery.

**WARNING** For those who get easily sickened by listening to ones affection towards another, you may want to skip this next paragraph all together.
Don't get me wrong here. I am not anti-love. As a matter of fact I think I have the best, most wonderful boyfriend in the world (I told you to skip this paragraph). We genuinely enjoy each others company and we have "dates" weekly. I love spending time with Erin going camping, out to eat, concerts, riding the bus (we are easily entertained), happy hour, Mariners games, Seahawk games, the movies, birthday parties, vacations, bike rides, boating (I could go on and on). I don't need a date marked on the calendar to be reminded how much we love each other. We tell each other every day. Sometimes Erin's may be a mumble but I know how he feels about me.