In honor of Valentine’s day (major ick), I thought I’d take a different approach and talk about something which drives me crazy.   You see there is a deep injustice in this world, a double standard which cuts deep.  Valentine’s day is the big one but anniversaries, birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays which involve gifts can just as easily fall into this trap.

It’s the “perfect gift” trap.  The majority of women across this country will be expecting to be showered with love and affection tomorrow.  They’ll be expecting an over-the-top gift and I’m sure jewelry sales will increase dramatically.

But it’s not our fine women scrambling to shop and find the perfect gift, it’s men.  See men are expected to treat women like queens for a few select days out of the year.  If they fail, oh there is nothing like a woman scorned, especially on Valentine’s day.  Tantrums ensue, cold shoulders run rampant and many tears are shed.   I wonder if sales of jewelry and other goods pick up more the day after?

But the real question is, how many women showered their mates with the same level of attention and gifts they expected?  Did the men who weren’t showered with love also break down into tears or frown?  For some reason it’s an accepted part of the holiday and I’m not sure why.  Valentine’s Day, despite being a confectionery cash pot, did have some noble intentions and beginnings.  A celebration of love and intimacy between partners.

I’m not really sure why we need a day to remind us to love each other, as we should be doing that year round.  We should be constantly showing our love with small gestures instead of going overboard and trying to make up for it once a year.

Additionally, it’s a two way street.  Guys deserved to be showered and appreciated just as much as the ladies do, so don’t forget love is a team effort and it takes two to make it work.  It should also take two to celebrate.