Lisa Laird, 531 words
Lisa's Lair
By Lisa Laird
IPS Features
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAYLEMMA
In this age of political correctness, we still
manage to acknowledge Valentine’s Day. In
spite of the way people get so bent out of shape about every other issue, this
one remains unquestioned. I’m
surprised some radical group hasn’t protested what it stands for.
In a world of abundant friction and intolerance,
Valentine’s Day is symbolic of love. The
heart shaped boxes remind us that traditionally chocolates given to sweethearts
are given as tangible forms of love. Speaking of heart shaped boxes, I noticed one that was HUGE
in the local shopping mall. So was
the price. Imagine presenting your
significant other with a one hundred and twenty five dollar heart.
I can’t. It’s a no-win
situation for the person on the receiving end.
If you don’t finish all the chocolates, the giver is insulted.
And if you do eat all the candy, you have to buy a new wardrobe…in the
next larger size.
Enjoying a romantic dinner together is a much better
option. Yes, Valentine’s Day is
wonderful, except if you haven’t got a valentine. Or even a date.
I have spent many a Valentine’s Day alone.
Back in high school, it was always a sore spot for me.
I was jealous of girls with boyfriends and every year I felt as though
salt was rubbed in my reopened wound. It
didn’t seem fair that the occasion was meaningful and fabulous to some and an
unavoidable reminder of being alone to the rest of us.
One year, out of desperation, I told my peers that I had
a boyfriend who recently moved to California.
I preferred living a lie rather than admitting the lonely truth. In
theory, the concept of having a boyfriend to share Valentine’s Day with seemed
like it would perfect my then confusing life.
Now, many Valentine’s Day dates since, the realization hasn’t
perfected anything. My life is just
as imperfect as confusing, date, or no date.
It seems to me that February 14th places
those with sweethearts in power and oppresses those without.
The “haves” versus the “have nots.”
Certainly, this must be seen as a discriminatory practice; where are the
protestors? Probably making dinner reservations for the big day and
contemplating what their darlings will shower them with as tokens of affection.
Gifts make everything politically correct, even if not available across
the board. Do you think Al Sharpton
would turn down a delectable meal followed by a luscious box of chocolate
covered cherries? Valentine’s Day
is the ultimate enabler.
I suppose people want to hold on to the belief of
old-fashioned, romantic love. Although
times, ideas, and many values change, the ideal of attaining true love has not.
Valentine’s Day is a cherished blessing for those privileged enough to
be in love. Or, at least, in like.
For those who are not, there’s always next year, provided the
celebration isn’t banned as offensive, and therefore, detrimental to society
as a whole. Besides, as it stands
now, it gives all of us a good excuse to indulge ourselves with a few
chocolates, even if we buy them for ourselves.
Just not one hundred and twenty five dollars worth.
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