Valentine's Day

Ah, Valentine's Day.  You would think as a romance writer I would love this holiday, but mostly I just feel "meh" about it.

That got me to thinking...why was that?  As a kid I loved decorating all the red and pink hearts with too much glue and glitter.  Then writing out the cheap little valentine cards for my classmates and gorging on the inevitable treats was big fun.  I used to look forward to it every year.

So what changed?  I think it might have to do with all those men I dated when I got older.  You see, each and every one of them gave me "the speech" before the big day.  Maybe you have heard it yourself.  It's the discussion on how Valentine's day was "contrived" by florists and candy makers to sell product.  Then in the next sentence the guy would always tell me how he refused to take part in such commercialism, and I would not be getting a gift.  

Mind you, each and every one of these guys thought what they were saying to me was creative and unique thinking.  Yet I had heard it so many times before.  I would always solemnly nod.  Then I would promptly go out and buy my own treats and gifts, because this girl loves her chocolate, and she doesn't need a damn man to buy it for her!

I am curious if this is still a trend in the dating world.  Let me know if you've heard "the speech" lately.  I could use a laugh!