If you feel the pressure of Valentine's Day, you can do something to change that. Forget the prepackaged commercialism and plan special times with the one you love all throughout the year, not just on one day. Make Valentine's Day a day to remember how much you love each other, but whatever you do, do not make it do or die. If you are in a new relationship, don't let the day pressure you. Instead, make it a day to say that you are glad to be getting to know each other, and leave it at that. Then expect to get hell for the next six months.

Even Valentine's Day for children has become tricky. When I was young, we made valentines for each other, and gave them out at school. We had craft time to make a basket to keep all our Valentines in, and then we took turns passing out our cards. In my school, you were required to give everyone in your class a card, not just those who you liked.

Looking back, I think this is a great idea at first, but as the Valentine's Day cynic, I see that because children are impressionable, and something like this can leave a lasting effect on their self worth. Who did you get valentines cards from? How did you feel when you didn't get a great one from the people you wanted those valentine's day cards from? If your child is taking cards to school for Valentine's Day, talk to the teacher ahead of time, and ask if your child's class can include everyone, or perhaps, they should just skip it altogether.

Rebuttal:

Hey Valentine's Day Cynic,

You bring out the argumentative side in me. On the contrary, most people I know see Valentines Day as a great opportunity to provide an outward expression of their love once more, on a day when most people do so. It doesn't create a lot of pressure or stress, but pleasure. With giving comes pleasure. When was the last time you gave someone a gift that really pleasured them? The love you feel in return means a lot in your life, too.

If you look at Valentines Day from a personal point of view, then Valentines Day is definitely a reminder that you are alone. However, the day is for giving. It's not a day about me, me, and me. It's about who you appreciate in your life. Don't you ever watch Oprah? Haven't you learned that life improves when you are grateful and appreciative?

There's nothing wrong with companies trying to provide solutions for people who want to give their loved ones a special Valentine's Day gift. Why do you hate capitalism so much? Have you ever thought of what your life would be like without it? Having products on their shelves to meet the needs of their customers is a service, not something to be shunned.

If getting to know each other is the goal of your Valentine's Day, what do you do after 10 years in that relationship? Seems like a little short-sighted to me.

Hey, Cynic, please go do something to make yourself feel better!