Why I Hate Valentine's Day.

Valentine is the most awkward day that people celebrate. I have been trying to find a place in my heart for this day, but I just can't connect with it. Where did this day come from? The story goes that, an emperor by the name Claudius II executed two men on this day. The Catholic Church resulted in naming it St Valentine’s Day. The men were martyrs. This dates back to the 3^rd century. Nonetheless, at the very same date between 13–15 February, the Roman Empire was celebrating the feast of Lupercalia. In the ceremony, the men sacrificed a dog and a goat and then whipped the women with the hides of the animals that had been slain. A historian Noel Lewski, noted that the women were drunk and naked, and they believe the ritual would make them fertile.
Fast forward,today, what happens and why do I hate this day.

     One is not genuine about their feelings. Imagine a person has not been expressive all along, they have never taken you out, bought you a gift, they have been abusive… I mean you've never felt love from them, then they pop up on Feb 14^th with lovey-dovey stuffy. This is even disrespectful, to say the least. Well, one could say they are lovers, and thus they could express their affection at such a day. I beg to differ. It's the laziest day to express it or surprise your lover. Reason being whatever the surprise you pull today, it was expected.

     The kids and the younger generation will be misled. There is this feeling that today is the day of celebrating love. For the children who have no understanding of what love is, they will have a warped mentality of Feb 14^th. In a family set up, a couple do not buy gifts to each other frequently, then a gift pops up today, mind you the last card bought in that house was Feb 14^th the previous year, same to the teddy bears, how do you think the children will interpret it? Additionally, children will not understand why most people are wearing red, hotel décor in red, ladies carrying flowers all over. They will ask questions, but they will not get answers. If they get answers, they will get the wrong ones.

     It is hijacked by the business world. Firms use Valentine's day to enhance their image and as marketing tactic. To most businesses nobody is selling love, they are actually selling items at inflated prices. In the right state of mind, when would a person pay for a hefty and inflated amount for dinner? Well, it’s only in Valentine. It's ‘allowed'. One is getting a raw deal and no value for money, yet they still make a purchase.

     Its psychologically torturing.If a lad is not in a relationship, they start feeling odd and wishful. They can make a hasty choice of getting a lover just to feel ‘okay’ for the day. If one is in a relationship, woe unto you, it’s even worse, the expectation is inflated left, right and center, your partner is expecting you to do something other people are expecting, you will definitely, most likely ,do something.

     My love, now you know why I did nothing today. I just hate valentine I cannot understand why all the reds. I am penning this from a restaurant decorated in white and red with fresh flowers. Tomorrow, they will go back to their old clothings. Please allow me not to do anything on February 14^th.