Happy Belated Valentine's

I'm not at all excited about this event this time around as celebrating it would have felt odd.

First, I am no longer as mushy as I would be 4 years ago. Also, I was raised in a family (during my childhood) where displaying or talk of affection is abnormal.

Secondly, it's just a day, overly commercialised by the world. Like the existence of Children's Day, Chocolate Day, Book Day etc. It is just to commemorate an event. The original story of how Valentine's Day came about is not as nice as it is known today. Go Google it or something. Don't be lazy.

Thirdly, if you love someone you can commemorate it EVERYDAY! Show them how you care in your own way. And you don't have to fix it a day just to do that (be smart enough to choose another day lar if you have to - be a little different. Just because the majority is joining in on the bandwagon...).

Fourthly, MONEY. MONEY. MONEY. You are paying double or even triple for certain goods during this period and that to me is exorbitant! Day light robbery even! You pay RM200++ for a dozen of roses that would wither in a few days. You try to save or "ultilise" every bit of the plant by hanging them upside down (and it has to be the right way) to keep the fragrance or to reuse it as potpouri. Others pluck out every petal and soak in a rose-filled tub which can only be used once. For that amount I'd rather go for a spa - full body massage, full use of facilities like sauna and shower and buffet too.

Check this article. Some people would go at lengths to show how much they love the other half but this one is too much for me (I'm sure there are more out there). The guy spent RM40K on a billboard proposal and another RM14K on a diamond ring. RM54K! Show off. Can buy a car already. Can study 1 year in college also. Bugger 26 years old don't know where he get the money from.

Which leads me to another case about spending money on/for Valentine's:

This guy A works 2 jobs. Earns about Rm3.5k. Very good for him - hardworking. Don't have much time for himself and spends whatever time he can have with his sweetheart B. Here's the deal - she gets him to pay for most of the things she wants. From what I heard the things are not that cheap either. The latest for this Valentine's is asking A to buy for her a RM400 Guess watch which she had been eyeing for a long time, since he is going to Japan without her. O_o

I'm thinking (all at once the first time I heard it):
1) What?! RM400?! That's my monthly expenses on food hey!
2) Are you saying that this gift is to compensate you for not being taken along on his trip to Japan?!
3) It's not a proposal it's only Valentine's why the hell are you asking your boyfriend to purposely buy for you a gift costing him RM400? You dare ask - greedy!
4) Oi! If you're going to get a watch for RM400 might as well top it up with RM200 more to get yourself a Casio Criteria or Titus. They are the lower end range but they are still REAL luxury watches. Like REAL brand of watches! I'm just kidding ^,^

Eee! Amateur gold-digger this one. Be careful. Or better still, if you know you cannot afford to continue doing this for the rest of your life then run fast.

I'm proud to say that I buy the stuff I want with my OWN hard earned money! And they are more valuable because of that.

Personally for me, on such occasions between couples, when someone buys something for you it is a privilege. One should appreciate the person and the reason behind the giving and not just look at what was given. You won't know through what means or efforts the person had gone through in order to get it for you. Unless they earn a lot of money and they have no idea what to get you, they actually have to ask you. Then he/she is a blessing! Good for you.

So, I think it is rightful that people should not ask for things from the other unless reasonable. It is afterall the thought that counts. Of course anybody would be hopeful for something nice or something that their hearts desire from the other half but they must also understand that it is a gift in itself the other chose you. This is on the basis of a long term relationship or a relationship that leads to marriage. But if for many years you have hinted to the other to get that certain something before Valentine's and birthday and Christmas and you still don't get it then you've got either a really densed partner or you are being too demanding. You need communication.

Happy Valentine's people. Cheers!