Why do we care so much about Valentine’s Day?
Arriving very soon after Christmas and as a welcome relief for many restaurant owners, St Valentine’s day is a time for young (and old) love to flourish with the exchange of anonymous cards and the eating of way to many chocolates.
Arriving very soon after Christmas and as a welcome relief for many restaurant owners, St Valentine’s day is a time for young (and old) love to flourish with the exchange of anonymous cards and the eating of way to many chocolates.
But why do we care so much?
Ignoring the history of the day, it seems that there are many reasons people might take this day seriously, especially in our busy lives where everything seems to be a rush. Maybe it’s just the focus some people need and a reminder that it’s not all about us — it’s also about them.
Early romance
I guess the first thing people will remember about the day is the creating of an anonymous card to the girl or boy you fancy at school. That excitement of receiving a card from someone you didn’t know, written in somebody else’s hand. Sometimes written in stencil and once, I remember, with letters cut out of a newspaper. It seemed a little sinister, that one.
As teenagers start to experiment with relationships, Valentine’s day can be an excuse for some to show a little bit of emotion. For many “lads” it’s a time when it’s OK to buy flowers and maybe, just maybe say you “like” someone.
A strange thing happens when you eventually end up in a relationship though when one of the partners receives a card from someone else. Will this strain a relationship or will it be taken in good humour? The thing is, you can never be sure that the card was actually a heartfelt gesture or a prank by one of your friends.
Later life
Of course, we grow up, we get married and rather than an expression of a wish to “become someone’s valentine”, the day takes on a different guise. Now it’s for couples to remember why they’re with their partner in the first place.
It can lead to a re-kindling of love and small gestures can make all the difference.
Maybe the husband can make the dinner (even if the wife has to buy the food, or get the Marks and Spencer special deal!). It’s here when it’s up to each person to make clear that they don’t take the other for granted.
A time of sadness?
Coming during Random Acts of Kindness week, it’s important to remember that while everyone else is being all loved-up, there are others for which Valentine’s Day can be a little depressing. Some people who have never known love, or who have lost it, may need a bit of a hug.
In fact, as a random act of kindness you could do yourself, why not send the loner in the office an anonymous card? Don’t tell anyone, and don’t make a joke of it. Make it a proper gesture and make it count.
This article originally appeared in: http://www.theofficesuppliessupermarket.com/articles/why-do-we-care-so-much-about-valentines-day
