So... is there anyone else out there who could give a crap about V-Day?
I know there are people who dislike it because they aren't with someone at the moment and at this time of year, we are constantly being reminded of that, making those people feel like crap.
And I know there are many who love it and feel all romantic around it.
Lesbian couple celebrates V-day in Beijing. Apparently, and I only found this out looking for pics for this blog post, many lesbians in China use Valentines day to come out and show themselves to promote gay/lesbian issues. It's a big deal over there on this issue.
In Japan, they've got it all very well organized. On Valentines Day, woman give men chocolate. And it's kind of obligatory to give to all your male co-workers, bosses, guy friends and so on. What sets that special guy off is the expensive choco or some other personal gift.
But here's the catch, all those guys who got a Valentine's from a girl must give her back something on a Japanese only created holiday to make money, White Day. It's all so romantic. heh.
Personally, I just can't get worked up about it. I'm married, but don't care if my husband gets me something or not. I hate that it's obligatory on some level to get your significant other something.
For me, nothing tells me more that my husband loves me than that all year long, he tells me not to worry about not having a job or other things. He takes care of me in so many ways and I thank him, appreciate him on a regular basis, buying him treats and things like this.
I like candy, but he shares his stash with me all the time and doesn't get pissed at me when I raid his goody box all the time. That, is more meaningful to me than a box of candy and a card one day a year.
What say you? Is V-day a big deal for you or not?
It's never been a big deal for me. I do like getting cutesy cards, but I've never had an S.O. who was really into Valentine's Day. You're right that it's more significant to have love and support year round than it is to receive a box of chocolate on one certain day. That being said, if anyone would like to send me some Godiva, I wouldn't complain. I'm in need of a a chocolate fix. :)
ReplyDeleteThat being said, if anyone would like to send me some Godiva, I wouldn't complain. I'm in need of a a chocolate fix.
ReplyDeleteAww.. I'd send you some. :D
See, this is one of the problems I have with Valentine's Day. Chocolate. I eat chocolate practically every day, so it's not that special.
A solid chocolate penis would be nice though. ; )
I love holidays, but I admit the gift giving part isn't what I love.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, when gift giving becomes obligatory, it almost sucks out some of the "special-ness" of a holiday. I think gifts are best given from the heart, not to honor a particular day.
OMG! I need a chocolate penis! I could take a big old bite out of it in front of my friend M. He'd have nightmares for days! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHe'd have nightmares for days! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMe, I'd need it to be solid so that I could suck on it for a long time. Your friend would probably freak if he saw it after about 20 mins cause it would be a mini, pencil peen at that point. LOL
M.A.- yes, I hate when gift giving is obligatory. I do give gifts to people all year, which is more fun for me.
M.A.- yes, I hate when gift giving is obligatory. I do give gifts to people all year, which is more fun for me.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of things impact how a person views this kind of thing. I used to really love holiday gifts -- selecting them and giving and receiving, too.
But I've experienced medical dificulties in my past that made me a LOT of more appreciative of "living in the now." So, waiting to give someone something for a holiday just isn't my thing anymore. If I want to give someone something and it doesn't burden me to make the gift, I give it to them.
I got VERY disillusioned with various "obligatory gift traditions" in the workplace. I flat out refused to participate in "secret Santa" gift exchanges once I realized I spent MORE money on my "secret Santa" pick than I did on legitimate friends and family.
In another job, I worked less than one year as a receptionist for a high-toned mortgage office and, I swear, every other week I'd get hit up for a "contribution" for somebody's birthday, baby shower, wedding gift...it just went on and on and on. After a few months I started declining all these "requests" and it negatively impacted my coworkers' attitudes toward me.
I felt really badly. It was obvious they felt I was being "stingy and Scrooge-ish." The truth was I'd recently divorced and earned a salary that paid my living expenses with very little left over for recreational spending or even "saving for a rainy day." Part of me longed to say, "You know, if I was still married or if I earned a loan processor's or an accountant's salary I could chip in $5 or $10 for everybody's birthday, too."
In the end, I just left the job...lol...three weeks before Christmas. I literally could not afford to work there.
M.A.-- I hate that work scene with the constant hitting up for money. A lot of people are in the situation of not having that extra money.
ReplyDeleteIt's just one of those things that seems like you have to go along with or people get pissed at you.
I especially hate it when it's for people you don't even know.
It feels weird saying it, but all I want for Valentine's Day this year is an uncontested divorce, lol. T minus two weeks and counting to see if I get my wish...
ReplyDeleteI've never been the sentimental type--never bothered much about V-Day even when I had someone to share it with. And since I'm always stuck working both V-Day and Mother's Day, that's probably a good thing, heh. The only holiday I can muster the smallest bit of enthusiasm for is Christmas, and that's mostly because my kids get excited.
Hell, I'm not even that big on chocolate. In fact, I'd happily eschew chocolate for the rest of my life in return for an uncontested divorce, lol.
M.A.-- I hate that work scene with the constant hitting up for money. A lot of people are in the situation of not having that extra money.
ReplyDeleteIt's just one of those things that seems like you have to go along with or people get pissed at you.
I especially hate it when it's for people you don't even know.
I really don't mind it if it's strictly voluntary, but more often than not it really isn't. I mean in the sense that if you don't contribute you find yourself excluded socially, labeled a "tightwad" or just plain "mean."
I can see how someone earning a certain amount of money doesn't see "chipping in" a few dollars as a big deal. I just think it's wrong to make a "voluntary contribution" something expected.
If you work in a office with 40-50 employees, that's a lot of birthdays. Add the infrequent wedding or baby shower gift, flowers for an ill/hospitalized employee, flowers for a bereaved employee, purchases for fundraisers (all the moms bring their kids' school fundraiser stuff to work and try to sell it)...well, it all adds up.
I'm not against collecting funds for all this stuff, I just didn't like being expected to contribute.
@ Kirsten:
Hon, it's the Year of the Tiger, your wish will be granted. It's gonna feel fantastic when you get those papers in your mail and can move on with life.
LOL...I remember my divorce ickiness. I swear my former husband used to send me "hate e-mail." It was unbelievable. Years later he apologized to me for "all the mean things he said." I just nodded and smiled...and didn't bother to mention I'd blocked his email after the third or fourth letter.