Valentine’s Day: Just Another Thursday

Feb. 14, 2008

Noelle Blair, Staff Reporter

noelle_blair@csumb.edu

Every February the same thing happens. Couples become more affectionate in public and I, inevitably, begin to feel nauseous. It is not that I hate public displays of affection, although watching two passionate lovers stick their tongues down each other’s throats does not constitute an acceptable form of PDA. It is that I hate the message behind that Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day.

I do not think it is necessary to confess love for each other on a holiday that only exists because card companies needed business between Christmas and Easter. What I ask from you, dear reader, is that instead of waiting to profess your love to your significant other this Valentine’s Day, why not tell them now? Surely you love this person all year long. Stop waiting for big business to tell you when to say it. 

One more thing: Please stop making out in front of me. The involuntary regurgitation of my lunch will make your “special moment” in public far less romantic. Find a room.

Blake Northey, Staff Reporter

blake_northey@csumb.edu

Flowers, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and unbearably cute stuffed animals wearing “Be Mine” t-shirts seem to come out of the closet around this time every year. Stores have dedicated entire aisles to Valentine novelty items so love is in the air. It is not clear when spending hoards of money became the way to declare our love, items like men’s boxers with “Wild Thing” emblazoned on the front, or stuffed animals, and it is clear to me Valentine’s Day depicts modern commercialism and consumerism at its worst. All I understand is what society expects on this day of love. The more money you spend, the more you value your soul’s counterpart. Regardless of your relationship status, the commercialism of Valentine’s Day puts pressure on everyone to spend money to show that they do or do not care!