Valentine's day sucks... for everyone.

Coping with public celebrations when you are not included in them piss me off. Some holidays like 'Australia Day' or 'blahbedyblah' can easily be ignored with little emotional consequence when you obviously aren't part of/don't fit the demographic or really just don't care. However, conversation points that point towards holidays that you 'should' be a part of, especially where they reflect your life-long climb up the social hierarchy can cause some problems.

You can't tell by looking at someone whether they are the type of person to celebrate valentine's day. You can't tell if they are single, attached or semi-attached... although some evidence seems to point to people intuitively sensing and gravitating towards people who are involved... and so the topic is broached.

How do you respond?

Lie:

Some pretend to fit the mould, preferring instead to spend the actual event by ourselves alone but doing anything from creating an imaginary partner to creating a fantastical world where Prince Charming comes and picks you up in the horse carriage or take you to an exclusive restaurant or your princess plans to pamper you for an entire evening of seductive food, clothing and activities.

Be Honest:

If you are ok that you are not a part of it you may respond with a way to celebrate the day themselves through self pampering -Like getting that new suit or too many sessions at a day spa with friends.

Indignation:

Confrontation is another option. You are the "killjoy" in the room. The stick in the mud. Any chance to bring some devil's advocate into the conversation is taken. Some ammunition for Valentine's day could be divorce rates, unplanned pregnancy, consumerism and commercialism or maybe another option would be to one-up any plans they share. This one could be fun to do once. Be careful not to permanently burn bridges though.

Feign Ignorance:

Another option is to pretend the day doesn't even happen. Some people do this for Birthdays I've noticed. While this may work for minor holidays, I don't see how this could be an effective strategy for a holiday like Valentine's day. Perhaps if you live in another country it is easier to pretend the day doesn't happen.

Avoid:

The final option would be to avoid the conversation entirely. Change the topic. Ignore the question. Avoid groups sharing party plans. Anything to not be faced with the fact that this holiday was not made for you.



And if you ARE one of the mould on a day such as Valentine's Day.

How do you spend the day?

Cliched:

Don't be embarrassed about it. Enjoy everything that this holiday throws at you. Buy christmas themed jumpers and roses with chocolate. One positive side is that you don't need to think much to participate. Just relax and swim through the waves of retail magnificence.


All out:

This one is like the first but on steroids. Don't just get jumpers get the Starbucks cup and McDonalds characters. Get the biggest decorations and the most food. Buy a room full of roses and have a chocolate effigy constructed of your body. Strange, but certainly difficult to top for at least the next 365 days.

Personal:

Nothing carries more sentiment than a personal, sometimes small celebration. Intimate moments amongst what can seem a wild event.

Minimal:

Maybe all that needs to be done is to go out and buy that pin.

Ignored:

Meh. Another day.



So, to survive every holiday pick one of the above and remember... its just another 24 hours.

What, me think? -The New Generation (15-01-31)

The Asian Man Complex: Do Asian Men Need More Love?

Asians: the model minority.  We're expected to be perfect but we're not.  We're flawed.  Some extremely so.  But our excellence in careers and academics will make up for all of our other shortcomings; whether that's being short or shortly cumming.  Or so we're told.