HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

The commercials are airing and the leaflets flying, “Show the one you love how much they mean to you.” In order to successfully demonstrate your love, you must buy dinner, flowers and/or gifts on February 14th. I’ve had my share of dinners in gourmet restaurants and received magnificent gifts, too. It’s nice at the best of times. During the worst, it’s forced, hectic and stressful.

Men say they feel pressured by expectations to deliver gifts and dinner on February 14th, come hell or high water. They say that if they cannot deliver, their loved one is sent a clear message: You aren’t important to me. Is it fair to judge our partner’s level of devotion by a date on the calendar?

Valentine’s Day, we claim, is a day to celebrate the love in our lives, specifically the romantic love. It is a beautiful idea, but why do we require a calendared date to honor love? Why not choose your own day? Better yet, choose many days to cater to your lover.

Today the farmer’s market abounds with inexpensive, glorious flowers and food. All the great restaurants are open and eager to give you a table. There is an abundance of chocolates, lovely gifts and luxurious hotel hideaways all for your, well-priced and uncrowded, pleasure. A piece of paper, a pen and your heart’s truth create a testament to love greater than any red-ruffled candy box ever will.

Love sits in silence waiting to be summoned by our reverence for the sheer existence of another. Protect, honor and heighten it by expressing it genuinely.

Any day, everyday can be Valentine’s Day.