Valentine's Day is not an excuse to take for granted your loved one every other day of the year; rather, it's just a chance to pay a little extra attention. Presumably we're all wonderful, loving people who express our feelings with perfect emotional honesty, every single day of the year. But I would certainly hope that taking a few minutes to pick up some chocolates, or going out for a particularly nice dinner - or any sort of special occasion, whether it's the beach, the park, a show, what-have-you - I would certainly hope, I say, that both members of the couple would enjoy that activitiy. You're not just taking your significant other out, you're taking yourself out, too, right?
So why not enjoy it? I don't get all the hostility - it's a holiday that celebrates romantic love. Our culture practically deifies romantic love, it's no wonder at all that a holiday pertaining to it would be widespread. And like any holiday, we could be skeptical - who needs a damn family for Thanksgiving, right? And isn't a Christmas tree just a big pain in the ass? But I, for one, do those things because they're fun, and I enjoy them. If I had a Valentine, i would gladly make a little extra effort - not because I feel obligated, but instead, because I would myself enjoy it, and I hope so too would my Valentine.
So c'mon folks - lighten up. How many holidays give you an excuse to eat chocolate and get laid? Not nearly enough, I say!