Happy Valentine's Day

Valentines Day

Valentines Day is possibly the best holiday for females. Now wait, I don’t want you to think that the "lover’s holiday" is just for females, because it is not. Both females as well as their male counterparts deserve to be observed on this day. Likewise, I feel a little sympathetic towards the men because they often are expected to buy gifts for their female lovers, but often they do not receive anything at all; it seems like the norm.

While experiencing some reactions from my female friends, it seems as though the rules of Valentine’s Day are not the same for both males and females, hence notice the examples:


Example One

• Its Valentines Day and FEMALE A walks into the house with candy, a card, and a sports poster.
• Its Valentines Day and FEMALE B walks into the house without treats nor the acknowledgement of "lover’s day."

Most men would not have a problem with either female, although the man with FEMALE A might be overwhelmed that she took the time and was thinking of him.

Example Two

• Its Valentines Day and MALE A walks into the house with candy, a card, a stuffed animal and/or flowers.
• Its Valentines Day and MALE B walks into the house without material gifts, but just walks in and announces, "I’m going out to play B-Ball."

I know some women who would be extremely agitated with MALE B, and ultimately, he can not expect to receive his own personal "lover’s day" gift.



Now, I do not wish women to assume that I am helping the men with the old adage that women just take and take. Not at all. And for the men, I certainly do not want you to think that I am agreeing with you that all women are gold-diggers. Not true. I am merely saying that both women and men enjoy the bounties of this day. In contrast, The Greeting Card Association reports that 85% of Valentine Day cards are purchased by women and that close to one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide. Now that is a lot of cards!


I say that Valentines Day is possibly the best holiday for females, because it seems more than likely that they will receive a gift of gifts that is more enjoyable on February 14th, then any other celebrated holiday. Often gifts given on other holidays are not always well perceived and are keepers. Of course, the receiver should be thankful for any gift, but on Valentine’s day, the gift is more than likely pleasant and worth keeping. Whether it be Valentines Day or any other holiday, I have received some forgettable things. (It is the thought that counts, right?..Wrong!) Once, I received a blouse. It wasn’t just a blouse blouse, but an ugly blouse. If you think I’m being ungrateful or just totally picky, try this on for size: The colors were atrocious with neon green stripes and forest green and gray prints. The buttons matched the blouse, which were both gray and green. It was ugly! I believe in re-gifting, but I wanted to keep my current friends. Another time, I received some lotion that smelled like vomit. No re-gifting there. Other gifts include rock candy from three holidays ago, confetti, a large piece of wood, a curtain that not only didn't match anything, but also worse, did not cover the entire window. (Side note, I’m not a whittler.)




I am an avid reader, but was surprised to receive a book on paperclips. Mind you, I do have a book titled, "Useless Facts," but I didn't have a clue as to what to do with a book that does not supply the origin of paperclips, but just pictures of different shapes and colors.

Some of the greatest gifts I have received are a box of paper for my printers, a jumbo pack of CD’s from Sam’s Club, a curling iron, candy, and more candy. Additionally, stuffed animals dressed in valentine attire and valentine t-shirts.

Yes, I should be appreciative that someone – anyone - considered me on this or any other day, but while looking around my house, I have concluded that there are too many people who are less fortunate.

While I complain about the hideous blouse, someone is walking around wishing and hoping just to have anything warm to wear. While I complain about the books, I fail to recall how many schools that do not have books at all. Perhaps the children wouldn’t be able to read the paperclip book, but someone could find it enlightening just to enjoy the bright pictures.

In short, I suppose I am being too picky and am wrong about the males and females enjoying lover’s day, but that neither should purchase gifts, but instead do something more memorable. Instead of spending money, try just going to a movie. If you need a babysitter (dog sitter), stay home, put the kids to bed, and have a nice romantic night just for the two of you. But no matter what you do, enjoy one another and be mindful of not what you want, but what you already have. Look around your house, inside your closets, drawers, etc, and ask yourself if you are in need of anything other than a hug and a kiss.

There is only one other holiday that receives as much commercialized attention as Valentines Day, and both are a beautiful reminder of peace and love. It brings people together and that is truly divine and often sweet.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

©Keeba Smith www.keeba.org
Hankered Writer and Feared Compressor
K Smith is an author, and social issues commentator KSmith023@yahoo.com