V to the D

I've discovered a few simple truths in life- force equals mass times acceleration, a puppy will extend the life of a senior citizen, and Valentine's Day is a bitch. Any romantic holiday named for a guy who was beheaded is not off to a good start. It's a day that traditionally comes as a source of consternation for millions of men required to express their love through some permutation of lingerie/chocolate/flowers/jewelry. Women are universally assumed to be the more evolved gender- despite still getting giddy around bright, shiny stuff- but their Valentine's duties are limited. And that's good; I don't need another pair of cupid boxers. Pretend to be comfortable in the "My L'il Dominatrix" outfit I bought you, and I'll be happy.

However, single people are forced to spend the day marching through this gooey, contrived, Hallmark-laden landscape with little or nothing to show for it. And that's good. Most of them will hook up with a random acquaintance by the end of the night, making their Valentine's Day much like the other 364 days of the year.

To me, that's the point- there's enough pressure on a relationship without it being imposed from within. Valentine's Day should be a day like any other, either with friends or with someone you love. Then do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the one after that.