Yes, I am a Cynical Romantic

I am a cynical romantic. I think celebrating Valentine’s Day is ridiculous, because the person I love will know that everyday, and I don’t have to show it. I am a sucker for romantic comedies, and cry every time James Garner tells Gena Rowland that they are indeed husband and wife. My heart leaps whenever Richard Gere picks up Debra Winger and carries her through the factory, or he climbs up the fire escape to rescue Julia Roberts. But I know those are scripted fairy tales, just grown up versions of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Snow White.

I think that engagement rings and spending thousands of dollars on one day is a waste of money. Spend it on something that will last longer – a home, education for your children, and remember that your union is for a lifetime, not just a single day, or a symbol of love. Celebrate your love with a party. Your loved ones will remember the laughs and good times, not what tablecloths and flowers were on the table.

TheKnot.com releases wedding planning statistics annually, and the 2013 stats released last March show an average cost of $29,858, not including the honeymoon, the highest ever. Spending continued to rise despite the depressed economy, reaching $51 BILLION in 2013. Billion, with a B.

Valentine’s Day spending is expected to reach almost $19 BILLION this weekend. Billion, with a B. I found it interesting that the 25 to 34 age group ($213.04) is spending an average $37 more than the 35-44 age group ($176.21).

Valentine’s Day is not a holiday. Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Ramadan – those are holidays. The word holiday is derived from the Old English word hāligdæg (hālig “holy” + dæg “day”), and referred to special religious days. In modern use, it means a special day of rest and relaxation to commemorate a special occasion, whether it is a patriotic or religious. Valentine’s Day is neither, and the closest it comes to being holy is in reference to Saint Valentine.

Tomorrow night, I plan to check out trulia.com to continue my quest to buy a townhome this spring, do laundry, and watch Season 7 and 8 of Entourage, which I call the male version of Sex & the City by the way. Yep, just another Saturday night for me.

I love what this husband did for his wife on his anniversary. But if a guy ever did that for me, I would hit him over the head with a frying pan. Just because I think something is sweet and romantic, doesn’t mean I think it’s right for me. I see couture and I think it’s beautiful, but I know it won’t look near as good on me.