February might just be the dullest month of the year. I like to think of it as a Sunday morning. You're tired from Saturday night, and just the thought of Monday makes you exhausted. We're all over our New Year's resolutions by February. We stop caring about our Fitbit steps, and we are so sick of salads and spinach smoothies. Not to mention, we have no idea what Mother Nature has in store for February, so sometimes the best option is just to stay in bed.
Some people might think that Valentine's Day is February's saving grace. I am not one of those people. I have always despised Valentine's Day, for many reasons. When I was little, I loved it. It had no emotional component. We'd have a party in school, and I'd come home with enough candy to last me until I got my Easter basket. And then I grew up and realized how overrated the holiday really is.
The second Christmas ends, drug stores become a wonderland of pink and red candies, teddy bears, flowers, and fuzzy socks. A box of chocolate that usually sells for $10 is suddenly $17 just because the box is heart-shaped. And on February 15th, its down to $7. Jewelry stores can't keep their items in stock, and florists are bogged down with orders.
Not only is it financially draining, but its too emotionally involved. I opened my Instagram feed last week and saw pictures of people kissing and proclaiming their love for each other. I didn't even know that half of these people were an item. Also, people actually asked me "are you going to post a picture of Mike?". I wasn't going to. I don't really feel like I need a holiday to tell people that I love my boyfriend. But people were shocked when I said no. So, like the sucker I am, I posted a picture of him, saying how much I loved him. It was so cliché and cheesy and I hated it. But had I not done that, I know people would have asked "are you guys still together?".
Michael sent me flowers, and a few other thoughtful gifts. I really appreciated the sweet gesture, even though I told him not to send me anything. I didn't feel that special waiting in line to pick them up, because there were 17 other girls in front of me, waiting to receive bouquets from their beaus. My roommate, Heather, and I ordered a sushi and it took nearly two hours to be ready. While we watched our chick flick and ate our miso soup, I felt empty and materialistic. Why don't Mike an I just send each other little gifts on any day of the year? Why did Heather and I feel like we had to have sushi on February 14th, and not February 17th? All of this being said, I am grateful I had a Valentine this year, and that sushi was to die for. But I really wish we could all express our love for each other every day. Next time you're feeling good, show your love for people. A random Thursday night is just as meaningful as February 14th, if not more. So go buy the $10 box of chocolates just because your friend did really well on her quiz, or your significant other needs a pick-me-up. I assure you, it will make people feel much more special than they do on Valentine's Day.
