February 14, 2012
I used to adore Valentine’s Day. In the halls of George Washington Middle School, lockers were decorated with construction paper hearts and their names in puff paint. In each class, you’d get small cards—only enough room for the “to” and “from” lines to be filled out, and a lollipop or tootsie roll taped to the front. At the time, Valentine’s Day was about candy, friends, and the color pink. I’d buy a seasonal shirt from Old Navy to show my holiday pride, and would gossip about the few girls that were already being gifted with teddy bears and a single rose.
At someone’s house or valentine’s party, there was always a bowl of conversation hearts with printed phrases like “I love you” and “Be mine.” And even though they tasted like chalk, I would eat enough to feel sick. That’s always been my relationship with candy….eating way more than any human being can reasonably handle…and it’s what my relationship always will be. We’d also eat the Reese’s peanut-butter cups shaped like hearts, and the pink, red, and white M&Ms.
As I grew older, Valentine’s Day become much less about a friendship love or a love for all things sweet, and turned into a celebration of romantic love (or a pity party for those without.) My first “adult” love, Andrew Newson, never believed in Valentine’s Day. He said it was a holiday created by Hallmark, and was nothing but a scam to convince Americans to buy a bunch of crap. In solidarity, I boycotted Valentine’s Day with him…even though I had waited 19 years to celebrate it in that way.
More years passed, as did more bouquets of flowers, boyfriends, and séances to burn their sentimental remains. And today, I’m sitting in a convention center in Miami, “working”, and thinking about the meaning of love. I’ll be spending this evening with my boss and her amazingly flamboyant gay friends… and for some of you this may sound depressing, but I’m actually really excited—we’re going to watch glee and eat lasagna.
Because my life has taken many shifts and turns, and will continue to do so, I’d like to find some conversation hearts that can last through the ages and transcend all the types of love we’re lucky to find. Here are some of my ideas…
- “I’m awesome. So are you.”
- “Let’s hang out.”
- “Need a drink?”
- “Maybe next year.”
- “More questions than answers.”
- “You’ll do.”
- “Open for Business.”
- “More, please.”
This year, in addition to happily celebrating Valentine’s Day, I’m also celebrating Generosity Day. Check it out to learn more: http://www.facebook.com/generosityday.
What’s on your conversation hearts? And how has valentine’s day changed for you over the years?
More conversation heart ideas:
“I taste bad; have another.”
“I’m sorry I make you nauseous!”
“Hide me in your belly button for later!”
“Cavities are sexy.”
“Made from real whale bone.”
“Made in 1983″
Wow, the belly button comment is life-changing. Now I’m certain to find love!
Valentine’s Day as all holidays (i.e. Christmas, Thanksgiving) seem to circle around love; however, as you recently discovered it doesn’t always have to be romantic love. The love of friends and family can be celebrated and enjoyed just as much. I am a big advocate for Valentine’s Day. With everyone being overworked, everyone communicating through impersonal avenues such as text, emails and phone calls…people often forget to show love or just simply say, “i love you.” Setting aside a single day to let people know that you care…is definitely Alright with me.
I totally agree, Corey. Everyday should be valentine’s day!
I never really understood why people actually ate those cany hearts either. They are pretty gross. I hope you had fun watching Glee and eating lasagna! Loved Mercedes’ tribute song to Whitney Houston.
I did have fun, thanks!