By The Way...

Monday, February 12, 2007
12:59:00 PM EST
Hearing Concrete Jungle -- The Specials
For the Weekend Assignment last week, I asked people to spill the beans about their true opinion on Valentine's Day: Genuinely Romantic, or a Genuine Scam? Let got to the responses!

"I really don't see Valentine's Day as 'forced'. Either you are for it or not."

"I think it's a fun holiday. You don't have to allow commercialism to lead you around, no matter what holiday you are facing on a calendar."

"Yes, it can be romantic, and yes, it can be a racket. For John and me, though, Valentine's Day is mostly a minor annoyance and a problem."

"Valentine's Day has never been an exceptional holiday for me.  But over the eons I have lived, it's obviously a special day to many who choose this day for their Wedding Day!  If I had married on that day I'm sure I'd feel differently."

"Recently, I listened to a great many love-themed old-time radio shows... I was surprised at how shows from half a century ago spoofed the Valentine's hype."

"I do think florists do make a killing this time of year, as well as jewelry stores. We all see the commercials..  'Show someone you love them by buying this...etc..etc..'  Personally, if these commercials pressure you to buy something expensive for your loved one, I think what you REALLY need to do, is step back, and start appreciating your significant other more! "

"As far as I'm concerned, Valentines Day is just another marketing ploy by the Chocolate Truffles, Greeting Cards and Teddy Bear Manufacturers, in association with La Cosa Nostra and DeBeer's, to rob consumers of any disposable cash before the various taxing authorities can get their share."

"Being that it is impossible to avoid, why not embrace it? You know your wife/girlfriend/illicit adulterous mistress is expecting something romantic. So go with it. Give it a little thought. Get her something that'll really set a sparkle in her eyes."

"Bottom line, any day that celebrates LOVE is a good day in my book. "

"I have always been of the opinion that Valentine's Day is no more than a Hallmark Holiday. Men, tell your women that you love them the other 364 days a year. Surprise her with balloons or flowers or chocolates when she's not expecting them. And stop buying those $99 heart pendants from department stores!"

"I think Valentines' Day is fun! It has always made me think of appreciating people and love."

"I do realize it's just a day to get us to fork out money on cards, flowers, and such... but really that's not so bad letting someone know you care, or lust after them..you stalkers."

"Rick and I have a weird tradition on this day. We go to Buffalo and get a window seat.  Then we count how many couples we see holding hands. It is the only day of the year that you see it this much and one of the few days where the man will initiate the hand holding."

"It's fun. I put up my purple and pink heart garland, my heart shaped wind-chime, get some pink and red candles burning, buy my kids some chocolate, go out for dinner, and everyone's happy. "

"Now do I think that this is a commercial endeavor that reaps huge rewards for Hallmark and American Greetings? Absolutely. What is more American than making money?"

"When you love someone, you don't need a special day to tell them...you should tell them often. But, its fun to have a special day to do special things in celebration."

Lots of different attitudes and thoughts on the day -- which is, of course, as it should be. And there are more here, too. Thanks for sharing, everyone. It's fun to get perspective on what some consider the most romantic day of the year.


Written by johnmscalzi Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this

This entry has 5 comments: (Add your own)

• #5 Comment from mohammedmmuneer 
  3/12/07 7:39 AM | Permalink

  Hey,
  Nice to read the article about the different people's opinion about the valentine's day.Some said it  a fun holiday,some said it is hallmark holiday,some said it is a commercial way.But, it is interesting to read the opinion of different people the gift they had presented for their loved one.
  I saw one of the website for <a href="http://www.jewels2love.com">valentines jewelry</a>
  which is having a good collections.
• #4 Comment from lilysparadise 
  2/14/07 1:40 AM | Permalink

  I saved this comment for Valentine's Day, seeing that no one seems interested in romantic poetry, anymore~
  http://journals.aol.com/lilysparadise/LifeAfterFifty/
• #3 Comment from princesssaurora 
  2/12/07 5:31 PM | Permalink

  I loved this... thanks, John!
  
  be well,
  Dawn
  http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/
• #2 Comment from plittle 
  2/12/07 2:15 PM | Permalink

  Yeah, I would have picked a different quote to highlight mine. probably this one:
  
  "There you are gentlemen, from me to you: an excuse you can try out the next time you forget Valentine's Day. 'But honey, I was saving your gift for the real St. Valentine's Day.'"
  
    Hey, John. I just want to say thank you for all you do. Yes, I know it's your job, and all, but you never just mail it in (well, you kinda do *e-mail* it in, but that's different). You are intimately involved in this community, and I, for one, appreciate it.
  
  Regards,
  
  Paul
  http://journals.aol.ca/plittle/AuroraWalkingVacation/
  
• #1 Comment from telfordted 
  2/12/07 2:03 PM | Permalink

  No I do not think it is forced. I wish that we would used sunday as a "FORCE" go to the churche of your choice, and just listen. And than do the same every day. That you do on Sunday, for a life time.