The War on Cupid

Today's Los Angeles Times suggests (with tongue firmly in cheek) that we abolish Valentine's Day and its artificial celebration of "compulsory love." I couldn't agree more - with or without the tongue!

Too many of us use this overblown "Hallmark holiday" as an out for ignoring our spouses and lovers the other 364 days. It's become some mandatory, annual test to be passed, required proof of the depth of feeling in a relationship that supersedes all other indicators. Come to think of it, if I see one more TV ad pressuring me into buying a bigger and better diamond (and convincing that woman over there on the sofa that she should expect a bigger and better diamond), I think I'll have to jump out the window.

My life partner and I buy each other gifts and flowers throughout the year, for no reason other than, "It's Thursday, and this reminded me of you." We've obstinately - and laughingly - boycotted the traditional trappings of February 14th for almost two decades, without regret. Besides, half the time we simply like each other better on the 12th or the 17th or the 22nd or the...

So (if you must), Happy Valentine's Day. Just don't forget that every day is special when you're with someone you love. We shouldn't rely solely on a designated holiday to celebrate and appreciate that.