NOTE: This is an opinion-based satirical article. The information and the interviews are made up for the purpose of this piece.
Love was in the air and Cupids were “blessing” the people in love. Lovers found themselves running to gift shops for last-minute gift shopping on Valentine’s Day, which would be just enough to make their significant other smile.
As a spectator, all of this seems rather ominous. I mean, think about it there is something in the air — people with diapers and wings stab people with arrows, and humans are okay with being considered “just enough.”
February 14th is the day when the world is divided between love and hatred. For some, it is the most beautiful time of the year to spend with their significant other. But for others, it is an ocean of opportunities because people wander the streets on Valentine’s Day looking to fill that annoying void. Rather than looking for “Mr. Perfect,” they settle for “Mr. Perfect Right Now.”
The truth about dating and love is that it changes over time. I would not be surprised if in the times we are living in today, Kate would not travel back in time to Leopold in the movie Kate and Leopold or if Jack from Titanic would pushed Rose off the door instead of sacrificing himself.
The standard notion of romance has changed impeccably over time. When we were younger, romance was how Ray loved Kevin from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, not the “romance” between Nate and Maddy from Euphoria.
What do you think of when you think of romance? Is it flowers? Chocolate? Love letters? Whatever it may be, can you think of the last time someone showcased your idea of romance?
It is not unusual to feel disappointed after not having an answer to the following questions because, news flash, romance is dead or at least, that is what Marc Stark thinks.
“Of course, romance is dead. Since people replaced candlelight dates with ‘Netflix and chill’, what did we expect would happen? We have minimized romance into the hookup culture,” they said.
“Do we even remember what romance feels like?” they continued.
Is this true? Have we forgotten what romance feels like, or have we just accepted the bare minimum as the highest good? For this interview, Juliet from Romeo and Juliet agreed to be reincarnated and speak with us.
“Romance is the epitome of love. What are we without love? Romeo buys me flowers every day and writes me letters. He even died for me,” she said.
According to Stark, while Romeo’s untimely demise was because of his lack of patience, it is undeniable proof that it is love.
Valentine’s Day was a few weeks ago, and MyFunnyValentine.org published a report on the lack of “Happy Valentine’s Day” wishes heard this year. The report shows romance has dwindled to a mere 45% in the last few years. At the same time, in the leading days to Valentine’s Day, the romance rate was close to 98%, following the inevitable downfall post-Valentine’s Day.
Dr. Nita Johan, a specialist in heartbreak, calls this phenomenon the “lonely valentine.”
“Over the years, we [Nita and her team] have worked on analyzing the gradual decrease in romance experienced. But the ‘lonely valentine’ mainly recognizes the sudden drop in the relationship count on February 15th,” she said.
“We believe this stems from Single’s Awareness Day, which falls on the day after Valentine’s Day.” she continued.
This phenomenon is observed every year. According to Johan, a “lonely valentine” manifests itself from love burnout.
“Due to the emergence of the hookup culture among young adults, the attraction reaches a burnout stage, especially when Valentine’s Day demands gifts, love, etc.”
“Whereas Single’s Awareness Day brings out everything beautiful about being single and suddenly becomes nostalgic.”
Amor, a Cupid who was on duty on February 14th, stated that ego had replaced romance in the past few years.
“It is so sad,” he said.“People want more sex, money, fame, attraction and even affection, but people back down when it comes to commitment and loyalty. How will love ever win again?”