A week ago last Sunday was Valentines Day.

     What is Valentine’s Day? A day where love is thrust upon the world with a ridiculous amount of enthusiasm? A day where personal feelings run wild and public? A day whose initials ironically note what, in all probability, is the most common day to contract venereal diseases?

     As far as I can tell, there are three basic types of celebrations for Valentine’s Day. The first are a group of individuals who actually celebrate Valentine’s. These people are seen commonly with hearts and flowers in the mix.

     The other is represented by an overwhelming cynicism, either due to an overwhelming disgust at the thought of human contact, lack of significant other or, in my case, an abhorrent perspective of the holiday.  

     Well, the way I have grown to see it is this: Valentine’s Day is one of the few times someone can actually find a monetary value for love.

     If the words “overwhelmingly cynical” come to mind then let me be the first to wish you a congratulations, as you are likely celebrating Valentine’s Day properly, by buying candy and cards and flowers and, above all, proving what I just stated to be true.

     Basically, Valentine’s Day is to love as Saint Patrick ’s Day is to beer. Furthermore, Valentine’s Day is to Hallmark as Saint Patrick’s Day is to Budweiser.

     If you don’t believe me, recall who you said “I love you” to on Valentine’s. First, question how many other people told them that. Then think about what it would mean if you said the same thing any other day of the year. Last, combine the two ideas and think about what it would mean if all the other people told them that any other day of the year.

     Results will vary although generally you should come up with the conclusion that saying “I love you” on Valentine’s holds as much meaning as saying “thank you” on Thanksgiving.

     In essence, it’s almost possible to say that Valentine’s Day is the day in commemoration of freedom of speech, as pretty much anything anyone says holds a fraction of its meaning in any other context.

     Honestly, you could probably tell someone of your overwhelming urge to set them alight on Valentine’s Day and your sanity won’t be questioned.

     In fact, it’s almost more insulting to mention any inner feelings towards another on Valentine’s, implying that it takes a highly commercialized and overly romanticized event to say something that would have more meaning literally the next day.

     I realize a fair amount of people would probably disagree with me, to whom I say enjoy your overenthusiastic pseudo symbols of love.

     Yes, I will be the first to admit that I am an overly analytical and incredibly cynical person. I love you too.