For the Love of...

If you've read my post on the subject from last year, you know what comes to my mind when I think of Valentine's Day: LOVE.¹

That might seem a bit harsh, but how else am I supposed to feel about a holiday that depresses millions of single folk every year? That cares more about selling things than it does about selling the emotion behind the day itself? But lest you think I'm too critical of this unabashed marketing ploy holiday, I've filled the following passage with heart:

"I wish my husband bought me more gauche art made with ear trumpets and fresh earth."
"I hear that."

My wife and I show our love for each other every day, not just when the calendar tells us to. And we don't do it with stuff.² It's not that difficult a concept. Hell, the Google doodle gets it. Sure, if you liked it you should have put a ring on it, but when it comes to love, there are plenty of ways to show how you feel without reaching for your wallet.³

For instance, you could prepare her favorite meal, give him a card you made yourself, clean the house while she's at work, or write him a romantic poem. Don't think you have the creativity for that? No worries, I've done it for you:

She loves you.
It's only love,
Real love.
Can't buy me love;
You've got to hide your love away.
All you need is love.
Love me do.
P.S. I love you.

Now remember: If you share your love throughout the year, Valentine's Day becomes just another day, no different from any other except in how it immediately precedes the second best time of the year for scavenging chocolate off of co-workers' desks.

You're welcome. Happy Tuesday.


¹ Load of Veritable Excrement.
² Except that time I bought her a Nook. But that was completely different. It was Christmas.
3 Or, if you're not in a relationship, make Hallmark reach for its wallet. Clearly, Valentine's Day is nothing but blatant discrimination against single people. There, I've practically won your case for you already. All you need to do is lawsuit up.