Happy Valentine's Day

Bonjour Mes Amies,

I know that many of you are somewhat cynical about Valentine's Day and call it a 'Hallmark Holiday' and things like that (heck if you weren't somewhat cynical you probably wouldn't like me much), however, please allow me to make a somewhat unsubstantiated argument in favour of celebrating it. (Unsubstantiated in that I'm not doing any research and presenting you with any actual numbers or facts.)

There are a few different ideas as to the history of St. Valentine but regardless of which is actually true, there really seems to have been a St. Valentine (at least for the Catholics, and let's face it, they came up with some good holidays to keep the people contented).

As with many of our traditional holidays or celebrations, we (modern western society) may be taking the consumeristic (no, I don't think that's a real word, but it fits) aspect of the holy day a little too far. That's what capitalism is all about though. It's what all those commercials on tv are telling us: if he doesn't get you flowers and chocolates and a diamond heart shaped necklace, then he really doesn't love you.

So yes, I agree with you cynics... remember I am one of you. Valentine's Day has become mostly about consumerism. However, every now and then I like to play the devil's advocate (even against myself) and try to look at things in a fresh way. Notice I wrote mostly?

Think about all the people you know. Or at least some; you probably know many. How many of them have been divorced? How many in long-term relationships that didn't work out? According to 'statistics' 51% of marriages end in divorce now. Those aren't great odds. That's not counting the people who didn't actually take the chance and make the commitment in front of their family and friends. If we could include people who had cohabitated for any length of time, that number would probably be much larger. I think that's sad.

So, if some people need a little reminder to stop and smell the roses (or buy the roses) then where's the harm? I've never been married (as you know) so I'm probably not the best advisor on this subject, but from what I've observed and experienced, not enough people take enough time out to celebrate love. Whether it be romantic love, friendship, or familial love, we get caught up living our lives and assume (subconciously) that if it's not broken, it doesn't need attention. I know that one day a year is not enough to keep a relationship strong, but at least it's a reminder. And it doesn't have to cost anything. You know that just as well as I do. If you're expressing love to someone, then they're not going to care whether or not it comes in a little blue box.

Call your mom (or at least someone you care about) today peeps! And drive safe!