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by Marcy Lynne (writer), Southwest Florida, February 05, 2012

Credit: microsoft images
Who needs it?

Permission to stuff those hearts and flowers.

I wouldn't want to mislead you here. I have no personal sad story to account for my abhorrence of Valentine's Day. My heart has not been tromped upon for many years. I am married to a wonderful man who shows me his love in hundreds of little ways every day.

But every February when Valentine's Day seems to glow neon pink on my calendar, I wish it would just go away. Couldn't we all just ignore it for once? I have too many friends who are widowed, divorced, living in nursing homes, still unwillingly single, or otherwise going it alone who really don't need this omnipresent reminder of love and romance. We know the whole shebang is propagated by greeting card companies, chocolatiers, florists, and jewelry stores anyway. It's just another way to sell stuff by not-so-subtly suggesting you're a real schmuck if you don't get on board that Valentine train.

Bull poop. I say jump off the train.

Here's what I suggest instead;

Remember that every day is an opportunity to show someone they are loved. And it doesn't have to be a girlfriend, or husband, or lover. It could be anyone, even a stranger who just looks as though he could use a little compassion.

Remember your all-alone friends and family members and give them a call on February 14th. Or February 15th, or March 12, or July 16, ......

Send a letter or card to one of those friends, especially widows and widowers, that will arrive on or about Valentine's Day. Let them know there is someone out there who cared enough about them to put pen to paper and send it by regular mail. Give them something to hold in their hands.

Take a few moments to pray for people who are lonely or ill or depressed. You can even pray online for strangers at sites like Ourprayer.org

Give someone flowers on a day that is not Valentine's Day. Surprise and delight the stuffing out of someone.

Think of Valentine's Day as a reminder to give of yourself, not as an obligation to buy something.

Here's what I intend to do: I'm going to make some anti-Valentine's Day cards on my computer and send them to my widowed and nursing home friends. I'm working on the design. Something like "I Bet You Just Hate Valentine's Day" on the front, with maybe a picture of Cupid lying prostrate on the cold ground, with a bunch of his own arrows sticking into him like a pin cushion and little xx's for eyes, and his little tongue hanging out. Too much? Well, it's a work in progress. I just want to let them know somebody understands their pain and loneliness on a day when everyone else seems to be radiating little hearts out of their chests like Popeye in the presence of Olive Oyl.

I'd love to hear some other suggestions. Anyone? I'll be looking for them in the comments below.

Thanks and may you always feel the love. Every day. Even on February 14th.

Marcy Lynne is a writer for BrooWaha. For more information, visit the writer's website.