Valentine's Day: Commercial cop-out or celebration?

BY GREER MCDONALD
Last updated 10:28 11/02/2010

Is    this for real?It's Valentine's Day on Sunday.

It's supposedly the most romantic day of the year.

Commercial cop-out or a great excuse to celebrate love in all its forms?

I'm torn.

I think it's terrible to be "forced" into doing something, but if that thing is a nice thing (breakfast in bed, a sweet handwritten note, a flower stolen from the neighbours' garden), is it really all that bad?

Or  is this a reality?

Discuss.

Email me at greer2.0@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @GreerMcDonald or on Facebook.

- © Fairfax NZ News

120 comments
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Davo   #1   10:33 am Feb 11 2010

I think its nice if you do something that is not expected....but at the same time, no one should be upset if there are no flowers delivered, or chocolates under the pillow. Some of the best Valentines gifts I have received have been free.....

Courtney   #2   10:35 am Feb 11 2010

I've never had a Valentine.

:(

mark   #3   10:37 am Feb 11 2010

To me, all events come around to fast, I swear every other weekend is fathers or mothers day, and then there's the birthday,s and if that wasn't good times enough Valentiens time creeps it's way in there. I am a firm believer that the most romantic gifts are those that are spontaneous, and the most important thing i've learnt is that the gifts should be meaningful, roses are nice, but not every time.

chicken   #4   10:43 am Feb 11 2010

It's totally a commercial cop out. It's a million dollar industry.

But I still want stuff...

Quagmire   #5   10:43 am Feb 11 2010

I think you should do nice things for your partner at random, not because a certain day of the year demands it.

But try and be inventive.... Flowers have zero thought. I am thinking of recording a track for a chick who I fancy. But none of that lovey dovey bollocks... humour is key. My 2 cents :)

ribenna   #6   10:47 am Feb 11 2010

I believe valentines day it a massive commercial copout, and its a way for businesses to make more money. You also shouldnt feel the pressure to do a nice gesture for your loved one *just* because its valentines day. I'm all about spontaneity when it comes to romance. BUT will all that being said this is my first year ever with a valentine, and after never had one all these years (okay I'm only 21 but still) I do want to do something to celebrate it just because I've never had one before. So I'm a bit of a hypocrite in that sense.

Thalia   #7   10:47 am Feb 11 2010

This is I believe the very first time I have ever had a boyfriend on V day.. I am however a firm believer that Vday is in fact a farce.. considering it was created by the French and then is mass marketed by everyone in an extremely american tradtion people feel as if they HAVE to do something... is it really romantic if you are coerced.

Would be much nicer to have someone buy me flowers or a gift because they saw something and were thinking of me.

On the other hand I will probably be a bit gutted if I get nothing on Sunday.. have sort of got an idea for something for him. Something more than the sexual favours and beer that were suggested by my friends.

forever single   #8   10:50 am Feb 11 2010

Its been years since I was seeing someone on valentines day. This year I am, and it's freaking me out a bit to be honest. I have no idea what to get him, we've only been together since new years, so I don't want to go getting anything too over the top. And then my other concern is - what if I get him something/do something for him and he doesn't get me anything or do anything for me? I was thinking maybe a card with a hand written voucher for something - ie a massage or a homemade chocolate cake? (choc cake is his favourite food). I'll stash the card in my handbag, that way if he does something for me I can reciprocate, and if he doesn't then that card can stay hidden. You're probably thinking "who cares if he doesn't do anything for you, give him the card anyway, he'll think you're really sweet". But my concern is that he'll worry that I feel more seriously than he does. . .yeah I'm quite pathetic, I live in constant fear of rejection!

Leon   #9   10:50 am Feb 11 2010

Leon does not like Valentines. Either the day, or the buffet food place.

Davo   #10   10:51 am Feb 11 2010

@ Coutney #2 - consider this a virtual Valentines gift......it is whatever you want it to be!


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