Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day. What is it? Who chose February 14th over, say, April 5? Or October 19? What does it really mean?

Let me start by saying this: I am writing this column at 9:50 p.m. on V-Day, so clearly I do not have a date ce soir. In fact, I haven't had a V-Day date in like four years! I've had girlfriends and "dating friends" over the years, but for some reason I always end up alone on February 14th.

I've heard a lot of chatter the past few days about this so-called special day, some of it positive and some of it negative. My sister Alison wrote me an IM earlier today that said, "Happy Valentine's Day, aka the worst day of the year." She was obviously kidding, but she was hinting that she was also single on this much overrated day. It was funny nonetheless.

My man Sean Hannity (click on his link to the right) did a few segments on his show today called "Dr. Hannity," during which listeners called in and asked for his opinion on matters of love, dating, sex, and anything else that Valentine's day brings out. And I've seen newspaper advertisements over the past few weeks for all sorts of V-Day related products.

I've talked to some people the past few days, both singles and ones with significant others, and many of them think Valentine's Day is overrated. It's just a day on the calendar that falls after February 13th, but before February 15th. Did someone simply close their eyes, extend a finger, and point to a random date on the calendar when this day was invented?

The History Channel's website has some information on the history of Valentine's day. Apparently St. Valentine was either a priest or some other religious figure a loooong time ago. Some believe that February 14th is the day that he either died or was buried, around 270 A.D. Others think that this date was chosen by the Christian Church because February was the beginning of spring in ancient Rome. Whatever the case, this day surely has its roots.

One of the worst Valentine's Day's was back in 1929 in Chicago during what was called the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Al Capone ordered a hit of Bugs Moran's men in the city, and seven lay dead after the violence was over. Tough day at the office for those gangsters, eh?

Here's my take on Valentine's day. If you love someone, or even if you are dating someone, act like every day is Valentine's Day. If you're a man, randomly send flowers to your girl every so often. Send them to her work on a Wednesday afternoon, when she will be completely surprised. When you talk to your wife/husband/girlfriend/boyfriend/dating friend on the phone, over email, or in person, tell them what you think of them. A quick "I love you," goes a long way. Or if you just started dating a girl, tell her, "I really like spending time with you and I see some potential between us." Or if you've been dating for a few months but haven't dropped the "L" word yet, tell her, "I think you're terrific." If you're going out to dinner on a Friday night, say, "You look amazing in that dress."

I am not trying to give examples of what and what not to say; my point is that Valentine's Day can be any day you want it to be. If you need February 14th to express your love or feelings for someone, something is wrong. It's just another day and there are 364 0thers just like it.

-Jason