The sentiment and idea behind Valentine’s day is a beautiful thing. The consumer spirit that has been increasingly capitalized upon is not.

I think the idea behind Valentine’s day is noble. I agree with most people that we don’t need a specially designated day to remind us to show our loved ones we care, but it’s always nice to have a reminder not to take things for granted!

What does bother me, however, is the constant, unremitting pressure applied by companies this time of year who seem to want to brainwash American culture into believing that the amount of money you spend is directly proportionate to the amount of regard you have for your loved ones.

This is really stupid.

Do they honestly expect us to swallow that? Am I to believe that a humble, struggling farmer out in the fields of Iowa is any less dedicated and in love with his wife than a wall street day trader who happens to make half a million dollars annually? What idiotic logic.

The worst part is that this kind of marketing and advertising does affect the younger generation. We tend to think in language and imitate societal norms, so it only makes sense that a viewer who has not seen or experienced anything different would align themselves with consumer marketing tactics. How shallow and materialistic.

Don’t get me wrong: there is nothing wrong with a nice bouquet, or a beautiful tennis bracelet, or new set of high-compression pistons. These are all incredibly thoughtful ideas, but are they more special when they are bought and delivered on February 14?

I don’t think so.

In some ways, it makes it less special. The gift is being given at that specific moment because of tradition and our acceptance that “this is what you do on Valentine’s day!!”

What about the other 364 days?

Shouldn’t we be focusing on staying consistently committed to our loved ones? Shouldn’t everyday be Valentine’s day? If people took a few minutes each day to show even small signs of their affection and showed their loved ones what they meant to them, we would drive the desperate Valentine’s day push for merchandise significantly down. That would be a beautiful day.

At any rate…Happy Valentine’s Day to all…but not because I have to say it; because I want to say it!