He Said/She Said
Is Valentine's Day Overrated?
Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: Editorial & Opinion
By Juan Pintor
Valentine's Day isn't overrated. It is the one day of the year that couples take time proving their love for one another without the suspicion of infidelity. It's more than just another day; it's the chance to find love all over again.
While many regard the holiday as a ommercial exploitation of the human condition, it is in fact a date based on love. There are a few legends pertaining to a priest or bishop by the name of Valentine. According to the History Channel, one legend claims that Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage, declaring that single men made better soldiers than married ones. Valentine disobeyed the order and instead helped Christian soldiers marry in secret. As a martyr, he was stoned, clubbed and beheaded all for the sake of love. Valentine's Day is now the most adoring day of the year, a tribute to the committed relationship for some and a second chance for others to make that lasting first impression.
Attempts to woo a potential soul mate can be intricate and stylized on Valentine's Day. But in reality, people don't need the over-the-top grand romantic gesture to prove their affection. In Lilian Okado's February 2009 article, "Is Valentine's Day Overrated?" Okado wrote, "Valentine's is meant to be fun, at least for those who have been waiting all year to tell that girl or boy who would never have given you more than a bird's eye view that you're into them; and do so in a special way. I think it's just a day for two people who do love each other to say just that. There is nothing wrong with that."
Valentine's Day isn't glorified but it's a necessity. According to MSNBC, Americans spent more than $13 billion for Valentine's Day in 2006. Imagine how much of an economic boost that effect could have on today's tumultuous economy. Also, our lives are hectic enough as it is; we can't commemorate relationships as much as we should throughout the year, but Valentine's Day offers the chance for that.
With everything going on in today's world, Valentine's Day is the one day people can forget the troubles of the world and just be happy with that special someone or tell people how they feel. Whether a person is giving roses, jewelry, or heart-shaped candy, the day will solidify just how valuable love can be to a relationship. I <3 Valentine's Day.
Valentine's Day isn't overrated. It is the one day of the year that couples take time proving their love for one another without the suspicion of infidelity. It's more than just another day; it's the chance to find love all over again.
While many regard the holiday as a ommercial exploitation of the human condition, it is in fact a date based on love. There are a few legends pertaining to a priest or bishop by the name of Valentine. According to the History Channel, one legend claims that Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage, declaring that single men made better soldiers than married ones. Valentine disobeyed the order and instead helped Christian soldiers marry in secret. As a martyr, he was stoned, clubbed and beheaded all for the sake of love. Valentine's Day is now the most adoring day of the year, a tribute to the committed relationship for some and a second chance for others to make that lasting first impression.
Attempts to woo a potential soul mate can be intricate and stylized on Valentine's Day. But in reality, people don't need the over-the-top grand romantic gesture to prove their affection. In Lilian Okado's February 2009 article, "Is Valentine's Day Overrated?" Okado wrote, "Valentine's is meant to be fun, at least for those who have been waiting all year to tell that girl or boy who would never have given you more than a bird's eye view that you're into them; and do so in a special way. I think it's just a day for two people who do love each other to say just that. There is nothing wrong with that."
Valentine's Day isn't glorified but it's a necessity. According to MSNBC, Americans spent more than $13 billion for Valentine's Day in 2006. Imagine how much of an economic boost that effect could have on today's tumultuous economy. Also, our lives are hectic enough as it is; we can't commemorate relationships as much as we should throughout the year, but Valentine's Day offers the chance for that.
With everything going on in today's world, Valentine's Day is the one day people can forget the troubles of the world and just be happy with that special someone or tell people how they feel. Whether a person is giving roses, jewelry, or heart-shaped candy, the day will solidify just how valuable love can be to a relationship. I <3 Valentine's Day.
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