Brad Stine doesn’t like Valentine’s Day.
Neither do I.
Brad, the comedian who performed for last weekend’s Corban Experience, pointed out, with humor, that Valentine’s Day is a sham. It’s all about what men are expected to purchase for their women. He was upset that no one mentions what the woman can purchase for her man. In truth, men are expected to buy something for their women. That’s where the fallacy lies. Love is not measured in flower petals, candy boxes or diamonds.
According to Discover® Card, “You Can’t Put a Price on Love.” Meaning, of course, that the public is expected, even in this time of financial crises, to spend, spend, spend – buying luxurious items for their loved ones.
In their survey, the credit card company’s respondents reported that they plan to spend on their spouse or significant other this Valentine’s Day an average of $86.90, whereas last year they reported spending $88.50 – a decrease of two percent. Men who plan to purchase a Valentine’s Day gift intend to spend an average of $118.30 on their significant other, down slightly from last year’s average of $125.30. Women said they plan to spend an average of $49.80, up from $44.50.”
Wait a minute! Women are planning to spend! On what? Maybe those cute boxers for her man – with red kisses, red hearts or cartoon characters. Would any “real” man actually wear those boxers?
The whole thing is ludicrous. I am reminded of a young high school couple who were “in love.” On Valentine’s Day he definitely overdid it: he bought his girl a giant plush teddy bear, a huge bouquet of red roses, and a giant box of candy – and had them delivered to her at school. That was the highlight of their romance. She bore their daughter. Then they married. Then they divorced. Then they went their separate ways. How sad!
My husband is not a romantic guy; he does not buy me flowers; he does not buy me candy (my diabetes would prevent that anyway); he bought me one diamond and that’s sufficient. He does tell me every day that he loves me. And he shows that love as he does chores around the house, including running errands when I need him to, shopping with me (even though he hates it), and pretty much doing whatever he thinks will make me happy. He does love the Lord more than anything, he’s gentle and kind, and he laughs at my jokes. In a comfortable, monogamous relationship Valentine’s Day is every day.
Do I need Valentine’s reminders of his love? Definitely not! So I’m with Brad Stine. I’m going to rebel against this insidious holiday. Buy me no flowers. Send me no cards. But…if you want to buy candy, could you be sure it’s sugar free?