Valentine's Redux

So, my apologies for the lack of posting recently. Between flying this way and that and changing time zones, my writing juices were channeled elsewhere...

However, today is one of those days that just begs for an entry. I have been, for quite some time, a Vday cynic. When push comes to shove, my girlfriends throughout the years have referred to this day as "Single's Awareness Day" or "Greeting Card Industry Day," and I have always tended to agree with them to some level. At least in the States, this day is about romantic love, which many people don't have at any given point in their life. Why remind people who are lonely that they're lonely? Isn't it a bit excessive? I mean, it had to be right after Friday, the 13th? Just cruel.

However, as I was driving home from the airport this afternoon, the day started seeming less and less ludicrious. I mean, I have been traveling for the last several weeks, and the last three nights I spent with some of my favorite Seattle-ites. Last week I spent with my favorite New Yorkers, and, just for kicks, the two weeks before that I spent with my favorite San Franciscans. And you know what? I have never felt more cared for or loved in my whole life than right now, in a time of uncertainty and professional struggle.

Maybe Valentine's Day serves a different purpose than the "He's Just Not That Into You"'s of this world let on. Maybe, just maybe, Vday is to remind us that when the chips are down, and nothing seems to be going right, we just have to send a text, ask for a hug, laugh a little at the mundane and remember that money isn't everything, and the economy isn't always going to be this bad. Job hunting, though tough, can bring it's own set of rewards like evenings with friends in various parts of the country or the time to actually read in peace.

Cynical? On the occasion. I think everyone can be. However, maybe the romanticism is actually right in front of you. At that next interview. At the next meal. With the next phone call.

Vday is actually just "Awareness Day." The "Single" is optional.