“These are lies. We are liars. Think about it. Why do people buy these things (greeting cards)? It’s not ’cause they want to say how they feel. They buy these things ’cause they can’t say how they feel, or they’re afraid to. We provide the service that lets them off the hook. You know what? I say, to hell with it! Let’s level with America. At least let them speak for themselves! Right? I mean — look, what is this? What does it say? “Congratulations on your new baby.” Right? How ’bout “Congratulations on your new baby. That’s it for hanging out. Nice knowing you.” How ’bout this one? With all the pretty hearts on the front? I know where this is going. Yep! “Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart. I love you.” That sweet? Ain’t love grand? This is exactly what I am talking about. What does that even mean, “love”? Do you know? Do you? Anybody? If somebody gave me this card, Mr. Vance, I would eat it. It’s these cards, and the movies and the pop songs, they’re to blame for all the lies and the heartache, everything. And we’re responsible. I’m responsible,” Joseph Gordon Levitt says in a monologue of a lifetime in the movie 500 Days Of Summer. 

So yes, I agree with the above monologue. You might connect with all the songs in the world, watch all the movies in the world, but you cannot make someone understand that you love them unless they want to listen. Now I am not saying all the couples in the world are not in love, or that making plans on Valentine’s Day is wrong.

What I am saying is that such a day is wrong for people who are not in love. Or find that their love is not reciprocated. Indeed, as Mother Teresa said, being unloved, unwanted and uncared for is the ultimate form of poverty. A day like Valentine’s Day just rubs salt on these people’s wounds. And there’s nothing that can console them. 

For couples, they can celebrate birthdays and New Year’s and go out partying or have a dinner every Sunday. They don’t NEED Valentine’s Day. So why let it exist? So that people feel bad about being single? Or expect a proposal to come from somewhere? And god forbid, propose and get rejected in return. It just degrades the whole concept of love, which should be unconditional and giving. It does not need a day. 

But yes, why rant? Having a drink and pretending it’s just another Wednesday is far more sensible.