Saint Valentine’s Day, more commonly known as Valentine’s Day, is a holiday celebrated on February 14th in honor of a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine. Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is a day in which lovers express their love and affection for each other. Such affinity and affection was conveyed through the presentation of flowers, confectionery, and cards–today, known as “valentines.” Initially, this day became connected with romance and love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages, when the custom of courtly love thrived. Valentine’s Day was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD; however, it was later eradicated from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. Nevertheless, it, unfortunately, lives on today, flourishing in the Hallmark and See’s Candies industries.
Today, Valentine’s Day is the harbinger of anxiety and panic rather than romance and love. Every February 13th, men and women alike scramble for a new, romantic Valentine’s Day idea to upstage their previous one. However, it is evident that women care exponentially more about this “Hallmark Holiday” than men. On Valentine’s Day, women will often display their worst qualities–greed, neurosis, and the perpetual inability to be satisfied by any “nice thing” a man will attempt to do for them. V-Day truly turns into V-E-Day; as men fight for their lives, sidestepping land mines and eventually surrendering to the women.
As the fearful and befuddled men step out into the battlefield, they immediately beeline to their safety zones–purchasing lingerie, chocolate, or flowers. Nonetheless, lingerie is a poor choice; it conveys that the man is clearly just buying this V-Day present for himself, hoping for the inevitable and obvious outcome–sex. Chocolate is initially well-received; however, once your girl has devoured all five rows of the enormous box of chocolates you gave her, she will indubitably become self-conscious and upset with you for “making her eat them”…and no man has ever gotten a woman into lingerie that way. Flowers are always a safe bet; although, you cannot merely give her flowers. Flowers are like an appetizer; and girls expect a five-course meal on Valentine’s Day.
Pleasing your girl on Valentine’s Day is situational, depending on the personality and expectations of each individual girl. I have found that the key to a successful Valentine’s Day is merely showing your true and sincere love and affection for your partner. Heartfelt adoration and a little creativity will go much farther than the purchase of cheap and tacky lingerie, chocolates, or flowers. If you plan ahead and exert just a little bit of real thought and effort, Valentine’s Day can be a mutually enjoyable “holiday.” Mini-vacations, romantic getaways, home-cooked dinners, or even a simple card can convey your affection as well as help you endure the battle that is Valentine’s Day. So, Happy Valentine’s Day, Gauchos!
**NOTE: Even if your partner says, “ I don’t want to make Valentine’s Day a big deal this year” or they say, “I don’t want a gift this year,” do something anyways or you will never survive V-Day.