Do You Hate Valentine's Day?
1 Comments
What's your attitude as you approach Valentine's Day? What does it look like to resist the evil empire of consumerism when we approach another over-commercialized "holiday". I am including some excerpts from another blog that was brilliant. I have tried to locate the author to no avail. This person isn't a Christ follower that I know of, however much of what they suggest reflects some huge realities:
If single, you are equally valued in God's sight. Don't let the commericalism of Valentine's Day tell you otherwise!
If coupled, Valentine's Day quickly screams "get into more debt, because if you don't, you must be a loser at love!".
Love is a practice in a way of life. Simply dropping some bling on a gift may not be the best way to practice a radical love. If you are married, you can actually become a must better lover by practicing simplicity this Valentine's Day. Consider simplicity in the way of Jesus.
Check out the following excerpts:
Few holidays arouse the angst of Valentine's Day. No matter where you are relationship-wise, you may be feeling the pressure-and a burning desire to swat Cupid right on his little rear end. But take heart (sorry!). Your V-Day sentiments of sadness, anger or simple annoyance are justified, and - more importantly - there are plenty of ways to cope and feel some love this February 14th. Here's how:
If you're suddenly solo...
If your relationship just fell apart, even an innocuous Hershey's kiss has the power to sock your self-esteem. "Why do I hate Valentine's Day? Because I'm alone! Thanks for reminding me!" snaps Maura D., 27, who lives near Baltimore. Ease the angst by reaching out to friends and family. "There is love in your life, a lot of it," says Santa Barbara, CA-based marriage therapist and coach Wendy Allen, Ph.D., author of the upcoming Happy Marriages Are Possible. "Celebrate the people who love you, no matter what."
Since V-Day hype can hurt, protect rather than punish yourself. "Have very little media interaction and avoid the public arena if possible, so you're not faced by all the hoopla," suggests Boston-based career and relationship coach Suzanne Blake. "Have friends over for a potluck dinner or to watch DVDs rather than go out to eat or to the movies," amid all the goo-goo-eyed lovers.
If you're a social butterfly...
Maybe you're dating around, having fun-but searching for The One isn't your priority at present. Or maybe you just don't appreciate being told that there's a certain date where you have to rev up the romance. "Valentine's Day makes romance feel like an obligation," says Ruthie A., from Oahu, HI. "Love is not an obligation, and I don't need some overblown money-making business telling me when to do romantic things."
Unfortunately, the V-Day marketing machine is cranked up to give you the guilts. You may even believe the holiday is a conspiracy spearheaded by your mother to get you to settle down.
If you're contentedly coupled...
Yes, even members of blissful twosomes can abhor the holiday. "I hate Valentine's Day," vents happily married Matt M., 39, from NYC. "You're supposed to feel romantic in the face of all those schlocky pink lace decorations? Yuck. Talk about how to take something special and make it feel silly and commercial!" Adds Catherine E., 38, of Los Angeles, who's engaged: "It isn't enough to make a simple gesture. Now it feels as if you have to show everyone how much you care." In fact, it can feel as if doing less than long-stemmed roses, candlelit dinner, and $40-a-pound truffles is downright uncaring.
When expensive gifts and fancy dinners feel de rigueur, what couple wouldn't want to snuggle at home watching Metalocalypse on DVD? That's definitely an option. As Blake suggests: "Bond by doing the most un-V-day-oriented thing you can think of-have a sports marathon, go shopping for a refrigerator. Dare to break the mold-do something goofy and different to declare your independence as a couple."
1 Comments | Login to Post Comments
Anne Goodrich on Feb 27, 2008 4:49pm
This is a little late...I was doing some work for a woman in ministry, and knowing I was single, she sent me this note that I found both precious and thoughtful: "Valentine's Day is an "interesting" holiday, to say the least. Since the world is thinking about love today, I choose to concentrate on "how great is the love that the Father has lavished upon ME that I can be called a child of God." YEA! And "I am loved with an everlasting love." That's really forever. And don't forget, "For God so loved ______ (Anne) that if she believes in Him, she will have eternal life." Is there a greater commitment you could celebrate today? With those thoughts in mind, my I wish you, my new friend, a Happy Valentine's Day."