I hate to be the Grinch who stole Valentine's but, are well really even doing this anymore? Like are we engaging in this cheesy lovey dovey commercial act as the Pandemic roars on for its 3rd birthday? Excuse me for my cynical nature but, this bullshit holiday is for the birds. No card or chocolate, flowers or even a diamond (okay, maybe a diamond) can change the fact that we still can’t enjoy each other like pre-2019 B.C. (Before Covid). Nor, do we know if we’ll ever have that type of true freedom in dating outside, again.
Sure, if you’ve had a significant other this entire pandemic you’re more than welcome to indulge in some V-day festivities. Although, what about the singles and the ones not in totally committed relationships? What are the options during these times for this god-awful holiday? It's a singular day in February, the shortest month of the year in which, we should be focused on Black History Month- in my opinion. Yet, this bloody holiday rears it's ugly head again and again, orchestrating what we believe romance should look like how those rom-coms portray it, that love can be found simply by being in the right place at the right time.
The notion seems rather farfetched right now, even with the latest reboot of people leaving those dating apps to go on actual dates outside again, what a concept! It's the human contact for me. As well as, the brightest idea that's come back since 2020 ruined has everything. It's not going to be an easy feat, and for all of that is this holiday worth the struggle? From figuring out the logistics of finding someone interesting enough to risk being in "public, public" for? The only way to find out is yes, to go out.
As much as I want to derogate this day of phony romantic commercialism, it is true we have to find a way to get back out there somehow and move onward. Especially, in dating. While making sure to have more significant human contact (safely), of course. Which is where my V-day pessimism has derived, as both the candy and jewelry industry banks on this special day, pining over us to have fluffy interactions with people. Eating, giving cutesy gifts to make their bottom line. Irregardless of the current societal stakes.
Is it worth any hype this year? I'm convinced it's not. Although, the bigger picture and impact is for us to be more conscientious in planning or not planning to do anything, in order to keep us all safe. Especially, when the trend has continued to be, every time we celebrate a national holiday the stats come in the following couple of weeks showing the virus statistics trending upward (again). Who wants to continue this yo-yo rollercoaster yet, for another year?
In a perfect world for singles and couples alike, Valentine's Day plans would go as far as, streaming steamy rom-coms, drinking expensive wine, eating white and dark chocolate popcorn and Zooming with that perspective new beau. Except, this appropriate option won't be as popular and I again get it. My soap box moment is only to perhaps, put this cautious proclamation out in the atmosphere, with hopes that some single people and/or couples thinking of venturing out to a crowed restaurant or v-day specific festivities out of commercialized pressure will rethink the idea, be more creative and most of all stay safe.
