Why So Much Hate on Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day has been around for quite some time now. However, what was once embraced as a favorite holiday for some has turned into a time to be salty for others. I don't get it. Who hates on a day of love? People with social media accounts, that's who. Folks who think that because they have followers that it makes them some sort of expert on certain topics. Well, I'm no expert. I just have opinions. And I'm quick to admit that. But, there are two type of people who make my butt itch when it comes to Valentine's Day:

The Non-Traditionalist type

This is the person hates everything traditional.  They believe that all things can be done differently from how you celebrate Christmas to making up their own definition to what a relationship is.  They will comment on multiple threads explaining why Valentine's Day doesn't define the love you have in a relationship. They will get on their high horse and say things like, "well, we celebrate love in our relationship/marriage all year and not just on one day." Or something like "A box of candy and flowers that will die in three days don't symbolize love. It's just another commercialized holiday."

Look, if you don't want to celebrate the holiday then that's fine. Don't.  But, it's a bit petty to voice your opinion on the timelines of people who didn't ask for it. Any day of the year is what you make it. Some people make a huge deal about their birthdays. They may even count down the days for months. That's not my thing, but I don't go plastering comments on their timeline about how I treat every day as my birthday in an attempt to look superior.

Instead, I let them enjoy their moment because as long as people are happy then why should I care what is causing it? What makes them happy may not be a big deal to me and vice versa. But, a lot of people in social media don't have a mind that works like that. They camp out and look for an opportunity to pounce on your updates to show you that they're "smarter" than you just because they're different. It's actually kind of a sad cry for attention if you ask me.

The Single, Don't Need A Man type

We all know this person. Quick to give advice that obviously doesn't work because they're perpetually single. Most of the time this person is simply ignored. Everyone knows that she wishes that she was out enjoying herself on V-day, but because she's not, she's downplaying the holiday. "I don't need a man to celebrate. My son/daughter loves me." Or "I'm going out with my girls and celebrating V-day. I don't need a man to have a good time and be loved."

Look, if you're single then by all means enjoy your children (if you're a mom) or your friends on Valentine's Day. But, don't act like there's something wrong with those who may have a man. I read so many posts on FB of ladies saying "he may be taking you to dinner tonight, but he was with his side chick last night." Or "If his cell phone rings while you're at dinner with him then that's the woman he told that he had to work so that he could go out with you."

Seriously? You're over 16 years old and you're posting stuff like that on your timeline? SMH. By the way, that last quote is an actual comment from Facebook.  You can almost tell who is single or in an unhappy relationship/marriage on FB or Twitter just by reading some of the status updates. Social media allows people to think out loud and so we now realize as a society how many people hate almost anything they can't do successfully themselves.

In conclusion, Valentine's Day is a day of publicly expressing love. That's all it is to me. You can make of it what you want, but that's my opinion on it. It's why you send your lady flowers/candy to her job on Friday the 13th instead of giving it to her in person on Saturday the 14th. You send it on the 13th because you want her coworkers to see the expression of love delivered to her. It allows them to see her be happy as well as inspire some of the non-haters to want something similar to that happiness.

It's why some get dressed up and go out to dinner that evening. You do so as a way to publicly express your love/care. It may not appear to be a big deal, but it means a lot to what appears to be a majority of people in this country. It can be an expensive holiday and it's true that it is commercialized like every other holiday. However, if it makes people smile then why complain about it? Because you don't do it? Because you honestly think that no one has ever considered it your way before?

You can wear an over-sized t-shirt, sweatpants, and eat McDonald's on the couch with your loved one if you want. You can go to Chuck E. Cheese's with your kids. You can visit a relative, go shopping, write a blog, or whatever it is that you want to do. I'm not telling you how to celebrate (or to celebrate at all). I'm just saying that if it's "just another day" for you then act like it. And please refrain from trying to damper the spirits of others on a day that they wish to celebrate.

I Hope The Wagon Runs Over You

After my Dallas Cowboys dropped a heartbreaking loss to the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving Night, I had to return to Facebook to face the music from the haters. No big deal. The Cowboys have lost 8 out of 11 this season, so I've done my share of dealing with the insults. Besides, I'm a true fan, so facing the music is just part of being one. Unless you're one of the many bandwagoners out there in the world.

Oh, how I hate the bandwagon fan. For those not into sports, the bandwagon fan is the loser who either pulls for whichever team is winning or they lay in hiding until the game is over and then rear their ugly heads to say "I told you my team would win."

I have a problem with these people. Back at my last job, whenever the 'Boys would lose, I'd have a select few show up at my desk that day after to gloat. I would hear all sort of "your Cowgirls suck" insults. But, whenever the 'Boys won, they were nowhere to be found. No phone calls. No texts or tweets. They are too cowardly to get a dose of their own medicine.

Some people are bandwagoners in their relationships. When everything is going well, they're the best girlfriend/boyfriend in the world. But when things hit the fan, they're ready to move on to the next best thing.

When your mate has a great job and they're in great health/shape then you're all smiles all the time. You brag to your friends on how good you have it.

But, if they lose their job, get a serious illness or gain weight, then you are ready to drop them quicker than some of those Cleveland Cavaliers fans who traded their LeBron jersey for a Miami Heat jersey.



People need to learn the value of loyalty. Once you commit to something, then stick to it regardless of how sour it gets. If they lose their job, then help them get their resume in order. If they gain weight, then be encouraging about losing it by exercising with them. If they get extremely sick, then don't let them go through it alone. Be supportive and try to make their life easier. Unless that person is doing something to you that becomes bad for your health (someone who's emotionally/physically abusive), then show some character by being true.

Because you bandwagoners always lose eventually. Every single one of you that are out there. That's why you "switch teams" so often because you are not emotionally stable enough to be viewed as a "non-winner." That low-self esteem means that ultimately, you will fall off the bandwagon. And when you do, I hope the wagon runs over you.