Happy February 14th…

Valentine’s Day is the most ridiculous, made up, fairytale, bullshit holiday that we as humans have to offer. For years I have been aggressively boycotting the incessant ignorance in which it stands for, and this year is no exception.

When you impose a loving gesture upon another, what is it that inspires you to do so? Is this honest admission of romance brought on by images of a plump little cherub? Or pink hearted decorations filled with lace and sparkles? Perhaps it’s the impossibly frigid conditions outside that make the soul so warm and tender on the inside. No! Stop it! Enough!

When I’m in a relationship, and I feel as though I need to communicate my love to another by way of gifts or gestures, I will do so on my terms. There is nothing romantic about the month of February. There is nothing romantic about crowded restaurants. There is nothing romantic about the looming pressure in which Valentine’s Day inevitably throws upon us!

Everyone knows that love is something that comes from the heart – not the head. When a preconceived notion is established (i.e. Valentine’s Day) people become stressed out, anxious and extremely panicked. Is this the reaction that should be brought on by a romantic holiday?

To all retailers wishing to capitalize off of my ignorance: It will never happen again.

I’m a loving man. When I feel the need to treat those I love, I will do so when I’m damn well ready. Not in the midst of my winter blues. Not while I’m in a crowded, overpriced, impersonal restaurant. Not while everyone else is doing the same Goddamn thing.

Happy February 14th… Great weather today, wouldn’t you say?

February 14, 2011

Comments

Anonymous

I have to say that I do not agree with your sentiments. However, that aside this does not mean that opinion is right, only that it is mine.

Chris Elliott

Thanks for reading dog. Hollaback.

Anonymous

Ive been in both places of agreement and disagreement with this Holiday. Being single always puts a weird vibe to this day no doubt. Ive been there many a time my friend. Also being with someone definetly does add the pressure of trying to impress on such a corporate holiday. But what Holiday these days isnt corporate???

Me and the wife celebrated last night. The restaurant we went to was empty, which was our choice. We also dont like the crowds so we decided yesterday was the way to go. I’m all for getting people together though man, even if its forced. Sometimes its so easy to “Get Lazy” with a relationship and fall into the routine that a day like today forces you do get out of that holding pattern.

It has its pro’s and con’s but love the take. You are a crazy SOB my friend!

Chris Elliott

Ha! Thanks man. I appreciate the perspective. Holla.

Jonathanleebrock

So… I see you are single…

Sure Valentine’s day may make some feel like they are being forced to do something romantic, but to be honest, I think some relationships actually might need a little injection of romance, forced or not.
On another note, if you don’t think we should have a romantic holiday because people become stressed out, anxious and extremely panicked, I suggest you don’t consider getting married.

Personally I love V-day because although I try to do nice things for my girl though out the year, sometimes my romantic side falls off track due to the lifestyle I lead. Vday is a great reminder for myself to go out of my way for the women I love to show her I care.

Chris Elliott

Thanks for this dude. I respect your point of view as well, and I think it’s nice that you do that for Amanda. Honestly.

It ain’t for me, but for those who do like it, enjoy!

Jonathanleebrock

Oh, regardless.. I love your blog!
Mrs Pink

Soooo I imagine your a single loving man , yes ? :0)

Chris Elliott

lol yes I am.

Mrs Pink

So don’t you think maybe you should change your way of thinking :0) It’s alot easier to get a women ,an keep a women,If you make her happy an that cop out of an excuse to not have to buy a present,seems a little hard headed an stuborn to me,I mean does thatmean you don’t by birthday or Xmas presents either because it’s all the same shit if you ask me ,If it makes her happy why not … I can tell you I do all kinds of things for my man that he likes that I would rather not do …..Suck it up, men like some things an women others the point is to compromise…. :0) Just saying
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kelly-McCandless/100000512900772 Kelly McCandless

Oh ya an Happy valentines Day :0)
http://www.facebook.com/people/Christopher-Michael-Elliott/500513490 Christopher Michael Elliott

I very much appreciate your opinion. I respect the fact that this point of view is not applicable to everyone’s situation, but it does make sense with mine.

Thanks for the post Mrs. Pink! Happy Feb 14th girl!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kelly-McCandless/100000512900772 Kelly McCandless

Oh ya an Happy Valentines Day BTW :0)

sabrina

uhhhhh
T Funk

Couldn’t agree more sire…….

Ps. incessant = great word!

Chris Elliott

T-Fizzle! CHEA CHEA CHEA!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/people/Amber-Sziklasi/305300731 Amber Sziklasi

Brian and I talked about this yesterday- I used to think it was kind of silly that you needed one day to tell you to show that ‘special someone’ you love them with boxes of chocolates, roses and the like… but I’ve started to see it in a different light.

Feb 14th is a day to remind us to show our significant other how much we appreciate them. We get caught up in life and sometimes forget to show it… although ‘you & your other half’ know you love one another, it’s nice to be shown once in awhile. Feb 14th is just a little reminder to inject some romance into your life. And I agree – not everyone needs it. Some people are amazing at keeping romance alive, going out on dates and keeping the gooey-lovey-dovey feelings they experienced in the first few months of dating alive. Some people are not. And further more – some people don’t need it.

Case in point – Brian and I had a night in with Pizza, Popcorn, a Rom-Com (which he liked, btw) and an absent-minded foot massage. It wasn’t filled with candy-hearts or silly love songs, but it was perfect for us.

Chris Elliott

I really like that response Amber, and I thank you for giving it. My only argument to that would be this: What about anniversaries? When it comes to forced situations of intimacy, isn’t the anniversary of a couple’s conception enough? At least in that case, it means something to only 2 people, instead of the entire world.

I agree more with the way you guys spent it, but I don’t know… Valentine’s Day still seems really unnatural to me.

Rachel Boyd

I am in full agreement with your opinion in this blog! I am also one that hates the ridiculous holiday of Valentines Day. Now, I also dislike basically every holiday except New Years, Canada Day, Thanksgiving and birthdays, but I particularly loath Valentines Day. And for all you doubters out there who say “do it for the girls” or “you must be single”…. I am a girl, and I am in a very happy long term relationship. So Jon, continue on with your hatred of Feb 14th, there are those of us out there who agree with you!

Anonymous

You meant Chris I know

I <3 Valentines day! And I am single!

Love you lil sis!!!

Rachel Boyd

LOL and this is why you shouldn’t respond to blogs when you just woke up and are only paying 10% attention to what you’re writing. Thanks for the clarification Jon. I know you’re a sucker for Valentines Day….I shall never understand you.

http://www.facebook.com/people/Adam-Wood/541180607 Adam Wood

Yesterday was Valentines Day?? Odd, it didn’t feel any different from any other day … besides it being the first day of the work week!?! I guess I just showed how single I am!!

I don’t care for Valentines day… and I work for this planets largest Confectionary Conglomerate. Its not that I don’t care for love or don’t appreciating someone I’m involved with on this day, its just an excuse for society in my eyes. At least it is at this point in my life.

When I was a kid it was exchanging cards and trying to mack the girls in my grade 5 class through baked goods (Thanks Mom!!). In another 10 years I may need this silly reminder that my better half “deserves” flowers, dinner and a puppy all wrapped up in bows!! Not to likely since I have 364 other days a year to appreciate who I love and who loves me.

And to the knobs at Spence Diamonds who try to manipulate the guys who didn’t buy diamonds for their girls at Christmas… simply pathetic
http://www.facebook.com/people/Adam-Wood/541180607 Adam Wood

Yesterday was Valentines Day?? Odd, it didn’t feel any different from any other day … besides it being the first day of the work week!?! I guess I just showed how single I am!!

I don’t care for Valentines day… and I work for this planets largest Confectionary Conglomerate. Its not that I don’t care for love or don’t appreciating someone I’m involved with on this day, its just an excuse for society in my eyes. At least it is at this point in my life.

When I was a kid it was exchanging cards and trying to mack the girls in my grade 5 class through baked goods (Thanks Mom!!). In another 10 years I may need this silly reminder that my better half “deserves” flowers, dinner and a puppy all wrapped up in bows!! Not to likely since I have 364 other days a year to appreciate who I love and who loves me.

And to the knobs at Spence Diamonds who try to manipulate the guys who didn’t buy diamonds for their girls at Christmas… simply pathetic

The Author

Chris Elliott

With a taste for fine food, great music and timeless fashion, Chris is an integral part of the Dreamland Apparel team. Chris works tirelessly to produce the unique, tasteful and versatile designs that we offer. When not working, Chris can be found enjoying friends, family and life. Twitter: @ChrisAndFame