How Was Your Valentine's Day?

“How was your Valentine's Day”, will be a phrase on many people's lips today I'm sure. Many will tell of the flowers, gifts and chocolates they received. Others will recount moments of their day. Here I will recount my day. Let's see what you think of it.

Yesterday while running some errands I could not help but notice all the gentlemen out in places I would not usually see them. They were purchasing last minute Valentine gifts for their special someone. My first thought was that it was so sweet, but then a question popped into my head. Why are they doing this? These are full grown men. Rugged in appearance from all walks of life.

As I was in no rush I decided to slow my pace and watch them in their decision making process and purchases. They would pick up one bunch of flowers and then another then check the price, carefully checking the petals. They were polite to each other, all the while remaining focused on their task at hand.

The store was small and seemed to be filling up at an alarming rate. I decided to make my way through the gentlemen and make my exit, which by this time almost felt like an escape. I couldn't shake the feeling as I passed of how they were almost zombie like. Their eyes glazed and focused with expressionless faces of stone, following an unspoken order by an unseen force. Once outside I breathed a sigh of relief, and started my trek home. As I walked I noticed the congestion of cars on the streets. The drivers were mostly men who appeared to be driving aggressively. As I waited for stop lights I could peer into some of the cars, seeing flowers and balloon bouquets in most.

Again I wondered why. My mind became full of questions. Did these men feel forced on this day to go places and make a purchases which was against their nature? Would they suffer a fate worse than death if they returned home without these things? Are the women they are with so insecure and shallow that they need these material gestures as a sign of love and commitment? Is it not enough that these men work hard on a daily basis to supply the basic needs of their family and spouses? Do we need a special day put aside to acknowledge love?

I have noticed for at least one month prior to Valentine's Day how the jewelry and flower people really pump up their ads, pushing them out every way they can by television, radio, newspapers even the net. Yes that is what they are in business for. What better way to make sales then to promote a holiday! Does it mean that your love goes invalidated if you do not make these purchases? Of course not!

As I returned home my mind processed the events of the day. After much thought I arrived at the conclusion that most everyone wants to love and be loved. Though many have fallen victim to what society and commercialism deem the appropriate way to express it.
So, when asked how was your Valentine's Day I will respond, thoughtful and enlightening, how was yours?