Those who scorn the holiday say that it's lame to have one day where we march in lock step, buying the chocolates and flowers, arranging the dinners and gifts, declaring our love via credit card. Shouldn't every day be a day worthy of gestures of love? If there's yearning behind the scorn, it's concealed from public eyes.
I agree that every day should be a day where love is celebrated, and yes, I do think that the chocolate, flower, and card companies seek to promote this day to pad their coffers.
But what's wrong with a little celebration of love, folks? It shouldn't matter whether you're single or coupled, or in-love or out-of-love with another. There's one person that we all have in common, someone who can always be the subject of our affection on Valentines day...
Ourselves.
Here's my proposal for Valentines day: love and pamper yourself! Whether you're single or coupled, this Thursday embrace the day as an opportunity to declare your affection for yourself. Here are some ideas of a Valentines day gift to you, from you:
Option 1. Take the day off from work. Call in sick, or burn some annual leave. Then...
A) Go see that movie that you've been meaning to catch (I would love to see this, this, or this.) While you're at the theater, buy an enormous tub of popcorn and a box of candy and eat as much as you can.
B) Schedule a spa day. Go all out - pamper yourself, cause you're worth it - massages, facials, mani/pedis. Book them back to back, drink cucumber water and lounge around in your robe.
C) Stay home and watch tv all day in your pajamas. Really get into it - I'm talking a marathon movie day, like Bond, Twillight, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Tyler Perry's Madea collection, you name it. Be sure to take breaks for take-out, like pizza or Chinese, and be sure to eat at least one pint of ice cream. Wash it down with a split of expensive champagne.
Option 2. Go to work, but...
A) Schedule a lunch date with friends. Live on the wild side and have a glass of champagne at lunch. Have everyone bring a gag gift and open them at the table.
B) Buy yourself flowers. Go over the top - if you want purple peonies and yellow lilies, splurge and get them. Put them somewhere front and center where you will be able to see and smell them all day.
C) Have a dinner party - Nigella Lawson has a menu all ready for you. Instruct your guests to wear red or pink. Make little crafty party decorations, play some party games, and celebrate a love that deserves recognition - friendship.
Option 3. When all else fails...
A) Buy yourself a little something. Be terrifically impractical. Perhaps a set of black lace unmentionables, to bring a sly smile to your face. Or a comfortable pair of pajamas, with sweet pink piping, to make you feel like Doris Day. Maybe you've always wanted to lounge about in the morning in a silk robe, drinking a strong cup of coffee with your feet coquettishly curled underneath you. Or channel your inner Marilyn Monroe, and wear some Chanel No. 5 to bed...and nothing else. Blow your budget out of the water, and show the world who you adore by slipping a pair of Loubotin pumps on and taking Cupid mid-stride. Or be direct and to the point, and wear the name of the person who you love (you!) close to your heart, monogrammed in gold.
What ever you choose to do this Valentines day, please remember:
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
- Buddha
and...
“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.”
- Oscar Wilde
Happy Valentine's Day, my dears. I hope your February 14th is full of love and affection.
xoxo,
MF
No comments:
Post a Comment