Thanks for the chocolate. You can leave now.

“I know it is not Valentine’s Day yet but I already feel more cynical than usual.” *

“It is a money making ploy that is perpetrated by the money hungry capitalist empires and is situated right in the middle of chocolate season.” *

“All the public displays of affection are just nauseating. There is nothing wrong with showing affection, hold hands or something, but sucking face in front of a bunch of people is just disgusting!” *

It is hard to think about what fuels this brand of vitriole about a seemingly innocuous but fairly nauseating day like Valentine’s Day. The onslaught of the day begins well in advance, and you are over exposed to it by the day it actually arrives. Apart, from the knots it can sometimes make in the stomachs of singles, the day ends up getting a lot of flack for being this overly gushy, bubbly, cute day that lets sappy lovebirds run free.

Although, I am not so sure if everyone feels the same way – at least not their whole life, right? (If you have, there are some other issues that cannot be covered here) I mean what about the times when we were a lot younger and the day brought the unexpected joy of having a pseudo valentine among friends, family and if you were really a “fast one”, then with your lover. How is it that, the unbridled joy of our youth is replaced by perplexed thoughts and amusement over a day that should not hold that much weight in the first place? It isn’t a war against attached people who have lovers like no others, but merely a question as to when the cynicism replaced the good will the day should inspire.

The funny thing is the more I think about it, the more it seems like it isn’t even the day in question at all. It is in part, how the day makes us feel about ourselves. It is obviously more than just insecurities. It comes down to how you perceive your situation. So, then how do we recapture that joyous feeling? Well, to start with – maybe its time to consider how and why you are where you are in life. If your concern is about being single – then maybe you should ask why? Is it something you want to change? How? If it is about being lovable or valuable as a person – maybe its time for some true introspection, as to what made you question yourself. The truth is that the auto response we have to situations, people – in this case, Valentine’s Day.

Things that can help – a “no holds barred” long ass conversation with your bestie, lunch with yourself, a shopping spree, a message sent to someone you really care about or in another vein – a fun day peppered with bitchy conversation, food, and making fun of complete strangers can bond you with friends like nothing else, like me and Tra ! See you there Heifer !!!! HAPPY V-DAY!

(* – All excerpts are from my emails with the chosen two, Cory and Tra)

Here’s an early feature of an artist you should hear – Kate Havnevik – More to come!

Nel