Turtles and giant rats all want to hit that this Valentine's Day. Image via Flickr.

I struggled with what to write about the holiday, since I’m largely ambivalent towards it. I don’t garner any of that phony hostility towards it that you see all of your friends ranting about in an attempt to make everyone as miserable as they are (really, boxes of chocolate shaped like hearts bother you that much?), but as a single guy I also don’t have any stake in the holiday.

So for me, it’s just Monday.

Note: except it’s also my mother’s birthday. Everyone wish her a happy one; she’s off to Mexico to celebrate. Seriously. Quite a life she lives.

It’s certainly an interesting observance in our culture. As a child, Valentine’s Day is one of our first introductions to the craft of pretending to like people that we don’t, a skill we perfect as we grow older and become adults. You had to buy everyone in your class a Valentine, and you gave them out in a manner that didn’t indicate a preference towards certain people. Doing so taught us that even though some people are often annoying twerps, engaging in anti-social behavior towards and/or excluding them often leads to more trouble than it’s worth. It’s easier – and better for all parties involved – to just give them a smile and a tiny piece of cardboard that had a drawing of Michaelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles expressing a desire to fornicate.

It’s a shame that as an adult we don’t still engage in this practice (giving Valentines, not fornicating with mutant turtles). If I’d thought of it sooner, I would have gone out and purchased a box of the things and made up a bunch of them to give out at work; perhaps even to everyone that comes into my office.

Because why not, and how else am I going to celebrate? It doesn’t hurt to show a little kindness, even if the day isn’t for me.

—-

George Gershwin

George Gerswhin, author of the greatest love songs of the 20th Century. Image via Wikipedia

My original intent was to post a video of Gene Kelly performing “Our Love is Here to Stay” from “An American in Paris,” but unfortunately TCM does not allow us to embed that video, simply link to it. Boo to you, TCM!

Anyway, I just saw the aforementioned film for the first time last week, and what a gorgeous spectacle. That song in particular is amazing. As contrived as the scene is, Kelly’s delivery and George Gershwin‘s gorgeous songwriting can’t help but bring a smile to my face and make me a believer.

Do yourself a favor: watch the above video, sing the song to someone, or at the very least keep it in your mind. It’s a wonderful little diddy.

 

8 Responses to Give a Card, Take a Card: Celebrating Valentine’s Day

  1. Joe says:

    Kevin all respect to your mammy!!! I have claimed this day because it is also the day of my birth!!!! so if people dont enjoy the halmark holiday they can eat cake and enjoy my BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! that is what i do lol

  2. Joe says:

    I gave out Harry Potter Valentines at work 2 years ago and it made my coworkers smile then argue because so were bigger then other SMH reminded me of why i stopped!!!

  3. Jen says:

    Valentine’s Day is more about the birthdays than the sweetheart holiday here as well.

    Happy Birthday to Kevin’s Mom, my Mom and my best friend. Sheesh…

  4. Cute~Ella says:

    I say we get a couple of boxes tomorrow when they’re half price and hand them out. My friends and family appreciate a good sale so I think they’ll respect that I waited. Besides, when’s the last time I did anything on time?

  5. Cute~Ella says:

    Also HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your Mom.

  6. HomeTownGirl says:

    Happy VD !!
    And Happy Birthday Mom !

  7. SiobhanK524 says:

    I’ve also always felt ambivalent about VD (and yes, I use that abbreviation intentionally because I have the maturity level of a six-year-old).

    When I was younger and still had strong opinions, I thought it was a meaningless Hallmark holiday. Now that I’m growed-up, I regard it as a day to eat lots of candy and smile at everyone, regardless of whether someone gives you a piece of cardboard with a fornicating mutant turtle on it. And really, what’s not to love about that?

    And happy birthday to Mama Marshall (or, should I say, Feliz Cumpleanos!).

  8. jakester says:

    Happy B’Day to your mom, but you shoulda gotten Amanda a Valentine
    anonymously… not too late dude.

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