“She was expensive to be fair, I don’t miss it.”
14 February is upon us once again, indeed! For some, this time of year is filled with glowing feelings of love and a sense of warmness in the soul. This however cannot be said for everyone. For example, those who may be soothing an aching heart for the one that once was, or those who are grieving for the person who was once the love of their lives. It must be said however, that it’s a time of year that is very much over-rated. Not only this, but also a very expensive time of year too.
For example, roughly twenty years ago this was a simple occasion for those loved up couples wishing to spend the rest of their lives together… albeit ending in tears sometime later! The point being that before this occasion became commercialised, this day was maybe a card, or a rose, or a box of inexpensive truffles.
However, the story is very different in 2019. Valentine’s Day is now all about the commercialisation of what was once a simple occasion. It’s about the restaurants, the jewellery, the make-up, hair, tan, new shirt, new shoes… the list is truly endless. Not to mention the over-priced fresh flowers, the cards and the chocolates to go with them! For those who wish to declare their undying love, there is the much sought-after engagement ring along with all the other stuff!
This year the day of love falls on a Thursday, most people would probably celebrate the weekend beforehand, being that it falls on a work night for those in employment.
Fear not with all this commercialisation stuff, there is always hope, so much so that Dealz are offering €1 engagement rings on sale nationwide. Word has it that they are currently flying off the shelves, because nowadays money is scarce and unemployment is high. Some might argue that this indeed might be the only option available to them, although this may sound weird!
SIN spoke to one Galway singleton in his 30s, he says; “I’m so relieved to be single, she used to cost me a small fortune at this time of year, I didn’t see much in return either as it goes. I wish people well but I was in a relationship for ten years with a nice girl but she was expensive to be fair, I don’t miss it. It’s just like Christmas money wise.”
According to research by Lindt chocolates, men in the past opted for cards, but now they send love messages in the form of text messages or emails. This truly makes one wonder what’s the point of getting a message from an admirer or otherwise when the fun is taken out of it, per se. Where’s the chase?
As a woman in her late 30s and studying for a Masters in Journalism, the idea of Valentine’s does not necessarily hold much meaning for me, as I’m too career driven at this point. No disrespect to all you lovebirds out there!
This article was originally published on Campus.ie.
Image: Jackie, via Flickr
