This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press. Jason does have heart he is just not a fan of Valentine’s Day.
Most people who know me know that I am not into Valentine’s Day. I’ve stated that before.
One reason is because it is over commercialized, and more about making money, especially off men who forget about it and need to make it up to their wives.
According to Wikipedia, in the United States, about 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, not including the hundreds of millions of cards school children exchange. This “holiday” is a major source of economic activity.
Actually, I never really cared for Valentine’s Day, even as a kid. Not sure if I was ever wanted as a Valentine, but that’s beside the point. To me, the only positive on Valentine’s Day was candy and the occasional boxers or socks I got from my mom or aunts.
I’m not a heartless person. If you know me then you know that. I’m still a very caring person, but I just don’t see the appeal for Valentine’s Day.
I understand it is supposed to be a day to focus on romance and showing love for your significant other. But, what about the other 364 days in the year?
I’ve been told, “It’s a special day solely about showing love to someone.” I’ve also been told to stop being so mean and heartless.
Listen, I have nothing against people who celebrate Valentine’s Day. Go all out. Enjoy it. Make the best of it. Just don’t tell me I have to do the same.
When I met my wife, I explained my opinion of Feb. 14 up front. We’ve been married for 10 years, two months and 12 days. I think she’s okay with it.
However, she loves Valentine’s Day. Therefore, I am willing to go out of my way to make her happy. I don’t ever expect anything, but I always try to make the day special for her.
Not just her, but also for Jasmine and Tiana. When they get older (IF I ever let them get a boyfriend), regardless of a boyfriend’s feelings about Valentine’s Day, my girls need to feel special and loved.
In other words, they need to be treated like princesses, and if they get married, they should be treated like queens.
So, I guess I have learned to take a day I don’t really care to celebrate and use it as a learning tool. Happy wife, happy life. Or, before you break my daughters’ hearts, understand it’s hard to chew without teeth.
I’m going to get off my soapbox now and go play some Oculus with Tynna and the girls. They’ll get chocolate and everything tomorrow.
“Surrounded by the lovely, but yet, feel like a loner. Could be an organ donor the way I give up my heart.”
- Andre 3000 of Outkast, “Happy Valentine’s Day”
