It's just astonishing how something totally made up can drive people to choose financial hardship, enormous and impossible expectations, or even bizarre, temporary assignations.
Valentine's Day was made up by Geoffrey Chaucer, who was a poet, and therefore had an axe to grind and sell. It lay mostly fallow until the mid 1800's, when it was resurrected by a writer (needing something to write about) and then a Massachusetts woman who created a niche for herself with mass produced Valentine's Day cards. Her father owned a large printing company, thus she was able to create this new product line and distribute it.
For a profit.
Only since the end of World War II has the United States lept off into the deep end of the commercial swimming pool, by lavishing ever more expensive trinkets on one's "love". The candy business sells over $345 Millions in chocolate. The event is good for an additional $250 Millions in hotel rooms. A billion cards, averaging $3.50 each. 110 Million roses at $40/dozen. The average consumer spends $77.43 for their Valentine.
For many, it is one of the only occasions during the year that their affection and appreciation is expressed for their loved one.
Well, I don't feel left out, disabused, a lesser being because I have not lavished effusive trinkets upon a special someone.
But, I do feel $77.43 better off.
