Valentine's Day, revindicated

It's St. Valentine's Day once more, and it's time for romance, big spending, seduction dances... and lots of bitching.

You know what I'm talking about. Every February 14th, like clockwork, hundreds of voices rise against the Day of Valentines. "It's an artificial holiday", some say. "We shouldn't have a day to be romantic, we should be romantic all year long!"

I agree, it is an artificial holiday, or at least, that's the tone it's taken over time. And no, we shouldn't have to set apart a day to be romantic, we should be romantic all year long. But, guess what? Most people can't. Life is hectic, and you can't really be gallant every single day. But some overdo it. If we didn't have Valentine's Day, some people would never care to buy flowers, or write silly poems, or get a card for their mates. Nothing.

So that's why I consider it important to have a day each year dedicated to romance. Don't like the date? Celebrate it whenever you want to. This guy recommends celebrating on February 15th, when everything is half off and every restaurant in town is empty. However, if you feel like avoiding consummerism altogether, you can take the road less traveled and take the time to come up with a special and unique gift for your loved one, something you can't get in a store.

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!!