It’s Valentine’s Day. Some people are opening their cards full of words of love, while others sift through their chocolate sampler taking a bite out of each assorted chocolate, or smell their beautiful bouquet of flowers. But what about the other side of this coin … is V-Day really a holiday of LOVE?

I know a lot of people who think Valentine’s Day is a holiday created by a greeting card company to make people spend money. Others think Valentine’s Day is a holiday that just makes people who don’t have a significant other feel bad.

I recognize the holiday is a time to share with your loved one, but I think it’s way too commercialized. I suppose it’s a good reminder to show the people who you care about that you care…but shouldn’t we be doing this when we actually want to, when we feel it in our hearts, and not when we are told to? I prefer a random, surprising card, gift, dinner, or whatever, much more than I appreciate the expected ones (birthday, v-day, x-mas, etc.).

What about all the singles parties that go down on this holiday? Are you really going to find “love” at some club, or some bar, on V-day? More than any other night out? Maybe. Probably not. You might find yourself someone to take home for the night, and maybe see again. Once again, is this night really different from any other?

Whether you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day is up to you, but, like it or not, it still remains an observed holiday.