The search - valentine's day

Every February leading up to Valentine’s Day, Charlie Brown lingers around the mailbox, desperately awaiting a Valentine’s Day card. And year after year, the merciless Charles Schulz has turned down Charlie’s wish.

On the other hand, my elementary school teachers, who were much nicer than Schulz, made us write a Valentine’s card for every classmate. Not only did this tradition provide good practice on writing the alphabet, it ensured no one would have to endure the same disappointment as Charlie Brown.

But a few years later, Valentine’s Day practically became taboo. The predominant attitude towards Valentine’s Day in middle school was one of immense contempt and disrespect. It was no longer cool to participate in Valentine’s Day. Why we thought that way, I’ll never know.

Interestingly enough, there was no longer a need for teachers to ensure that every student received a card. Most of the time, nobody did; the problem of students feeling left out had virtually solved itself. A card-less student in elementary school was now just like everyone else in middle school: too cool for Valentine’s Day cards.

Too bad Charlie Brown never made it to middle school.

So here I am, in high school. Valentine’s Day has regained its power, and I expect many couples to have something planned for February 14. People ask their crushes on dates now, and those cheeky boxes of candy hearts are making their way back. It seems like everyone suddenly got bolder and braver with Valentine’s Day festivities. There are actually people giving Valentines to friends now.

Well, of course, they’re not giving them to everyone, but still.

From high school onward, Valentine’s Day gains increasing importance. It becomes one of the most popular days to propose, to get married, or to mend a tight relationship. Now, there is pressure on adults to do something for Valentine’s Day. Why?

There is this commercialized aspect of Valentine’s Day that makes it standard for husbands to do something special on February 14. Whether he buys roses or chocolates, society has come to expect some monetary sacrifice for Valentine’s Day. Spending money for Valentine’s Day is now a requirement for showing your love.
The intent behind Valentine’s Day gifts is to make him or her feel special, at least for that day. But if everyone knows that the true motivation is that of some arbitrary expectation of society, chocolate and flowers on Valentine’s Day just doesn’t seem that special anymore.

Gifts are no longer an expression of true love; they’re just a ticket to getting out of trouble with one’s significant other. Even from the days of elementary school, valentines just don’t hold the same prestige anymore. So don’t feel down if no one gives you anything this Valentine’s Day. It’s not like a Valentine’s Day card means that much anyway.

I hope I made you feel better, Charlie Brown.