K.I.S.S.

For some, Valentine’s Day is the most dreaded “holiday” of the year. For others, it is a day to show that special person how much they care. For me, Valentine’s Day is the most unromantic day of the year. Stores decorated by red and pink streamers and mannequins dressed in Valentine-themed outfits. Guys rush out to spend their hard-earned money on roses that die in two days, $5 song-playing cards that will not get opened again, and candy that is carefully picked over, leaving the least favorable to perish. Girls scramble to make hair, nail, and waxing appointments to prepare themselves for what is to come. While single people may feel relieved that they have avoided this commercialized holiday, they still do their fair share of indulging. Instead of buying Valentine’s Day gifts, single people use the holiday to celebrate themselves. What is the big hoopla about it anyway?

In kindergarten, we always stayed up with our parents on February 13th, baking cookies and cupcakes and making Valentine’s Day cards for our entire class. Back then, Valentine’s Day was all about who had the most Valentine’s Day cards, the best candy, and if we got either one from our crushes. There were only two dreaded events about Valentine’s Day: getting something from the kid with bad hygiene and not getting anything from anyone. Now that we’re older, commercials make Valentine’s Day seem necessary to “go big or go home [alone]”. Although it is a day that is supposed to be filled with romance and extravagance, all of the exaggeration surrounding this 24-hour “event” is unnecessary, especially with this economy.

The $50 bouquet of roses can be replaced with fresh-picked roses that prove that you took time, thought, and delicacy to select. Given that they generally die within days and weeks, one can save money for something more essential or lasting. Five dollar Hallmark cards can be eliminated and substituted for a home-made, personalized computer-printed, laminated card that is damn-near indestructible and long-lasting. However, if one does not have the time or creativity to put in, Hallmark cards are not going to break the bank. Personally, candy, specifically chocolate, is optional and problematic because of a few reasons:
1. Chocolate gets stuck on your teeth sometimes, making the mood a little awkward after it is pointed out.
2. Chocolate equals carbs. If I offer you a piece, you may take one of the good ones, but if I eat it all, whether at once or sparingly, I’m going to look indulgent. Thus, when my skin begins to break out or I gain weight, I will definitely blame it on the chocolate you bought me for Valentine’s Day.
3. In many of the chocolate variety boxes (i.e. See’s or Russell Stover), there are always a few undesirable pieces. When I throw those away, I will be wasting your money.
4. Not all girls prefer chocolate. I, for one, will choose gummy bears or sour straws over chocolate any day. Unless, there is a strawberry underneath, of course.


Let’s not give into the marketed version of Valentine’s Day. Instead, let’s just K.I.S.S.—(K)eep (I)t (S)imple, (S)illy. Less is better. Love letters, home-made cards, and sour candy are all I expect. Save your money for my birthday. Happy Valentine’s Day.


-Britt