Dear Reader, in many ways Valentine's day for me has been a significant day through the years. My earliest memories of the day is making valentines for all my classmates in school. As a silly teenager, it was the day when I noticed boys the most, they were these exotic beings from another planet and I always found myself succumbing to an embarrassing fit of giggles in their presence, the horror!
As I grew older ( my late teens and early twenties ), I went through a really nasty phase, my friends and I used to go to the popular romantic spots in Delhi and pass really snarky comments on the couples, we made sure that they were in Hindi, so that our targets understood our meaning perfectly!!! I know, you're shocked now, aren't you dear reader?
Anyway, now that I am older and more mature (hopefully) I generally try to spend the day in good company, and hopefully not bitch about the day! This year, I went to the one billion rising event in Delhi. I went there in support of the movement to end violence against women. However, I must confess that I don't really see the connection between dancing and ending violence against women???? I'm sorry dear reader, but I'm a slave to logic and I just don't get it, period....still, I was there because I support the cause.
So, I met up with this nice group of people I knew socially and then, the fun began ( it wasn't really a blast, but it was good company). We had good conversation, and proceeded to stuff our faces with greasy Chinese food. So, we went to this cheesy place which was decorated with pink and red balloons and confetti (exaggerated eye roll) and they had this 'special festival menu'! And, I couldn't help but harass the poor waiter about what exactly was the 'special occasion' (I suppose old habits die hard).
Can you imagine dear reader, the entire place was full of cosy twosomes, and there we were, a group of almost strangers stuffing our faces with food and making conversation about social and political issues! Boy, did we stand out like a sore thumb!
Still, it was by and large a pleasant day. I have gone through a plethora of feelings on this day, from contentment, to excitement and wonder, to irritation and plain loathing. However, this was the first time that I felt lonely. I am happy about being single, but all my companions from the previous years are all happy in relationships and for the first time I had no company in the usual venting of frustrations. I found myself surprisingly yearning for male company.
It is surprising!!!! No really, for me Valentine's day is a corporate holiday meant to be the day when one pays exorbitant amounts on flowers/presents/food. Still, for the first time in my life I understood the underlying sweetness to the day. It is nice that the day provides us with a reason to let our loved ones know how much we care. What do you think?
As I grew older ( my late teens and early twenties ), I went through a really nasty phase, my friends and I used to go to the popular romantic spots in Delhi and pass really snarky comments on the couples, we made sure that they were in Hindi, so that our targets understood our meaning perfectly!!! I know, you're shocked now, aren't you dear reader?
Anyway, now that I am older and more mature (hopefully) I generally try to spend the day in good company, and hopefully not bitch about the day! This year, I went to the one billion rising event in Delhi. I went there in support of the movement to end violence against women. However, I must confess that I don't really see the connection between dancing and ending violence against women???? I'm sorry dear reader, but I'm a slave to logic and I just don't get it, period....still, I was there because I support the cause.
So, I met up with this nice group of people I knew socially and then, the fun began ( it wasn't really a blast, but it was good company). We had good conversation, and proceeded to stuff our faces with greasy Chinese food. So, we went to this cheesy place which was decorated with pink and red balloons and confetti (exaggerated eye roll) and they had this 'special festival menu'! And, I couldn't help but harass the poor waiter about what exactly was the 'special occasion' (I suppose old habits die hard).
Can you imagine dear reader, the entire place was full of cosy twosomes, and there we were, a group of almost strangers stuffing our faces with food and making conversation about social and political issues! Boy, did we stand out like a sore thumb!
Still, it was by and large a pleasant day. I have gone through a plethora of feelings on this day, from contentment, to excitement and wonder, to irritation and plain loathing. However, this was the first time that I felt lonely. I am happy about being single, but all my companions from the previous years are all happy in relationships and for the first time I had no company in the usual venting of frustrations. I found myself surprisingly yearning for male company.
It is surprising!!!! No really, for me Valentine's day is a corporate holiday meant to be the day when one pays exorbitant amounts on flowers/presents/food. Still, for the first time in my life I understood the underlying sweetness to the day. It is nice that the day provides us with a reason to let our loved ones know how much we care. What do you think?
Exactly... We have the HIV day, the breast cancer day, the mother's day etc. Why people find the Day of celebrating love so annoying? I am one of them, but I never understood myself anyway. Maria :)
ReplyDeleteM, I just go through these years when I HATE the day and then there are years when I couldn't care less. :)
DeleteI enjoy the day, but I don't get involved in all the hype. My husband and I exchange cards are small gifts. I sent a card to my grandson. Maybe if it really were a day to celebrate love, all kinds of love, it would be more appealing. Something to think about for next year.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are saying. When I was younger, I used to make valentines for my classmates, teachers, family (especially elaborate ones for my mum). Love isn't just a romantic notion. It is vast and encompasses all those special people in our lives who are always there for us. So, I am going to do what I did as a child: let all my loved ones know how much I care. :)
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