Valentine’s Day. You probably fall into one of two categories: the miserable singletons who are reminded yet again that they fail at romance; or the sturdy couple whose male contingent probably forgets about the whole event, and whose female counterpart just finds it a hassle to think of a thoughtful, yet amusing and useful, gift.
It’s even harder if you’re in a new relationship. Where’s the line drawn? Is a simple card sufficient? Should presents be lavished on each other? And then, furthermore, what is an appropriate Valentine’s gift? Chocolates, flowers and teddy bears are stereotypical, but hardly original. Does that matter? Is something handmade construed as romantic and sweet, or cheap? And then, the array of cards! Alas! Take a stroll in Clinton’s this week. There’s the ‘funny’ ones with some clever wordplay or sordid joke; the serious ones declaring eons of devotion; the cute ones with sickeningly soppy ferrets cuddled up to each other whispering ‘I love yous’, the post-modern arty ones with a black scribbled heart upside down in the shadows of a mountain… Which will your partner most appreciate? Are you at the stage where you call each other ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend’ yet? Is that jumping the gun? What if they don’t buy you one as well?!
And then the poor ladies and gents whose social networking profile statuses claim they’re ‘In an open relationship’ or ‘Swinger’ – what then?! Multiple present buying? Is Valentine’s Day like a second Christmas for regular swingers? Do you have to be even more imaginative with your presents then, or is it acceptable to give the same bunch of BP garage carnations to numerous lovers?
It’s an annual issue across the globe. The hopeful wait on Mr Postie. Do I have a secret admirer, wonders the wishful thirty-something hermit who hasn’t spoken to any member of the opposite sex in the past year (asides from the swichboard operator at work). Maybe they just didn’t know my post code, s/he rationalises as yet another pizza menu falls through the door with a credit card bill and a leaflet on life insurance.
We’ve all been there at some point. It’s a harsh reality. Some try to cover it up with ‘fun’ singles nights, or having a special Valentine’s evening with a best friend or sister. In the lead up to 14 February, documented research shows that registration on dating sites increases by as much as 74%, and January’s favourite passtime for unattached amourous types is speed dating.* Do we really all feel a huge pressure for such a frivilous national day?
Well, not me. This writer will be in a fancy hotel suite close to the arctic circle indulging in every Valentine’s Day custom ever mentioned for an entire 10 days. Happy Valentine’s Day all - share the love!
*May be guess-timates.
