Valentine’s day—the one day a year that we are obligated to make our special someone feel special. And how do we make that someone feel like they are the only person in the world? By doing the exact same thoughtful things as every other person in America. Because why be original when you can be a cliché? But what about it’s the thought that counts? No. Running to the gas station to grab a teddy bear five minutes before picking her up does not count—come on guys!
So how do you know if your Valentine’s Day is a cliché? Well, you’re most likely doing the exact same things that you did last year… and every other year. Congrats. And we all know what those things were. Showing up on the doorstep with the you’re-so-special-so-I-picked-your-least- favorite-flower red roses, or the I’m-trying-to-be-unique pink roses.
And do not forget to bring the heart-shaped box of chocolates! Because a normal shaped box cannot truly express the amount of love for your partner. Oh, and the oddly romantic ‘Be Mine’ teddy bear staring at the end of the flower petal trail to the bedroom. There are other ways to get in the mood than a giant stuffed bear, I promise.
I’m sure the first time, these were the most romantic gestures in the world. Now it’s almost to be expected: the teddy bear, the totally cute but totally unoriginal cupid card, the red roses, the dinner reservation for the overly expensive restaurant, the wrongly sized lingerie, or the heart- shaped chocolates. But truth be told, as cliché as it all may be, we still love it.
In the end, all people really want is to be shown how loved they are by their partner, and what made them fall head over heels in love in the first place. It’s not really about celebrating the day, it is about celebrating the person, and the things that they enjoy and you enjoy about them. What are their favorite flowers? What is their favorite (probably your least favorite) sex position? Time is greater than money. So, I guess it really is the thought that counts. But really, just leave us the chocolates.
