So, last year I wrote a Fuck Valentine’s Day post. Then I ended up having a Valentine’s Day lunch with a new friend. We were both careful to avoid acknowledging it was Valentine’s Day. Although we had just met, we were already in unspoken agreement that having a first date on Valentine’s Day was just too precious for either of us.
Now it’s nearly a year later and we’re still spending our free time together. Can I still say “Fuck Valentine’s Day?”
I think so.
After all, one of the best parts of our first date was our refusal to bow to a commercial holiday that is stuffed down the throats of partnered people and tied like nooses around the necks of single folk. We ignored it. In fact, it was months before either of us brought it up.
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that’s lovely for starry-eyed young lovers, but filled with hurt for everyone else. Almost any person you ask can tell a painful Valentine story.
So, it’s been a busy year around here, but someday, I’d still like to host a F*ck Valentine’s Day party.
Last year’s post:
I actually think these events should happen all over the country, in big cities and little towns. There could be “FVD” t-shirts and stickers. It could be a movement – the ultimate Hallmark backlash.
I envision a FVD party like this: Invitations, posters, and emails invite people to gather at a local venue – a home, bar, or restaurant. For a nominal fee, individuals can put unwanted, painful Valentine’s Day memorabilia through a paper shredder while party-goers cheer them on. For another small fee, they can have three minutes of open-mic time to tell their Valentine’s woes: funny, sad, or painfully ironic. There could be a piñata shaped like an ex-girlfriend, and a bad lingerie swap. There should be cheap shots of a special concoction we’ll call the Love Potion #9 Antidote. All proceeds will benefit a local women’s shelter.
Like I said, next year. This year I’m having lunch with a new friend and taking a dyke yoga class. I figured, what better place to be on Valentine’s evening than with my yoga-loving people? (Note: I never made it to the yoga class.)
This year’s not all bad. One of my friends unexpectedly sent me the most touching Valentine I’ve ever received, and someone brought me a flower.
Still, I think I’ll remain a fan of the bitterly ironic Valentine. Some of my favorites are by someecards.com. Check ‘em out.
