I am a brown-haired, brown-eyed, 27 year old female. I am not married and I currently live at home with my parents. I am seeking someone who is willing to accept a realist. The #1 requirement is treating Valentine’s Day, as just another day, and celebrating quietly, after the fact.... No, these are not the opening lines of a personal ad, but the beginning of an article expressing how love and romance are just an important on February 15^th as on Valentine’s Day, itself.

Before I begin, let me state that I am not anti-social, nor am I anti-romance. In fact, I am as big-hearted and as big a fan of sappy songs and movies as anyone else. I am the author of a very popular Valentine's Day Wedding Toast and I respect those who feel that the holiday is a worthy day for romance. I hold no disrespect for those who admire the traditions and enjoyment they find in the day.

That being said, I, personally, find several faults in the Valentine’s Day holiday. These views are solely my own and are written as an eye-opener and nothing more.

Fault #1: A “day” set aside for romance. Love, when shared between two individuals, is a wonderful thing, but it is a wonderful thing which should be shared every day of the year and not set aside for merely the Valentine’s Day holiday.

Fault #2: Overpriced Merchandise. Are the flowers and candy really worth twice as much in cost on Valentine’s Day as they are, every other day of the year?

Fault #3: The Stress for Men. Yes, men, I’ll come to your defense. Many times, we are not straight-forward enough in expressing our true desires and deciphering the maze of our emotions can be overwhelming, I am sure. Is Valentine’s Day really worth the agony our men must go through in trying to find that perfect gift? Material things aren’t everything, you know.

Fault #4: The Crowds. Nearly everyone goes out and attempts to do something in honor of the holiday, while nearly all of those who do envision a nice, quiet time with their significant other. Are the crowds really worth it or would the time be better spent elsewhere?

Before you read these four faults and call me a hypocrite or someone who has never experienced love, I love love. While I am currently unattached, which has nothing to do with having been shafted in the past or any ill reason (I’ve always maintained friendly ties with past flames), I am a realist and I will share my opinions of my idea of the “perfect romantic set-up” in the order I expressed my faults of the Valentine holiday.

For me, true romance is a year-long effort, which should not be reserved for just one day. That having been said, I feel that a quiet celebration (on February 15^th or some other day, during the week of Valentine’s Day), after the flower prices have returned to normal and the Valentine’s Day candy is half-off, is the perfect solution to the stress and hassle of the holiday for the men and anyone trying to organize a celebration. I don’t need a hundred dollars worth of flowers, candy, and cards to know someone loves me; I don’t need diamonds, either. Love should have no strings attached and should be a year-long “work in progress.”

For those, however, who are in the love with the idea of Valentine’s Day and all of the points I view as faults, please take the time to celebrate the holiday, every day of the year and not just one. I don’t mean you must resort to buying $100 worth of flowers every day, but don’t take just one day a year to let your loved one know you care. Show it and express it, every day. In our society today, nothing is more important and such gestures will be appreciated just as well on July or September 14th.  

Copyright© 2008 – Jill Eisnaugle.

All Rights Reserved.