After inundating students with articles on the grave aspects of life such as egg donation, rape, gender relations, AIDS, etc., I am forced, partly due to the comical "book review" requests I received, to write about a more humorous topic. To the dismay of the lovers of Valentine's Day, I chose this holiday as the best tongue-in-cheek opportunity.
Seriously, all the women in the library --- still the major hang out in my collegiate life --- pondering what gifts their supposed boyfriend will purchase for their delight annoys me more than it makes me laugh.
Diamond rings, roses, chocolates, dinner and cards are examples of American capitalism at its finest: men are forced to buy exuberant gifts because their significant other has been entranced by Kay Jewelers, "whatever" rose company, and Gertrude Hawk Chocolates commercials.
As a result of these capitalist marketing specialties (I appreciate my politics and commerce studies), there is an expectation that the big gift will arrive on Valentine's Day. As it is said in marketing, there exists no reality; marketers create the perception of products in consumers' minds. Well, it is definitely working.
Capitalism is not the only guilty party. Sadly, ignorance on the behalf of females plays a large part in this problem.
When I hear women pondering one gift out of the whole year, I tend to wonder if their "significant other" has been showing them any love throughout the year. If you are satisfied with the big dinner at McDonald's or --- if he is real smooth, Red Lobster -- despite his perpetual denial of your affectionate advances in public and/or private, then I must tell it to you like Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo titled their book: "He's Just Not That Into You." I recommend this book after receiving numerous "book review" requests from females. (I hope a small plug will do because I refuse to review books that Oprah constantly drools over. In my opinion, she is in the same category as "Cosmo" articles).
As I assume the book would say, one affectionate gesture on Valentine's Day and the cold shoulder on every other day is an indication that he or she really isn't that "significant." February 27 should be treated as February 14. The date should not be an indication of your importance.
All men AND women should be showing their significant other love throughout the year. Try making dinner when you know he or she has had a long day and may be tired. Massages are an easy way to display affection. Learn to write poetry. A simple poem of appreciation can make any woman or man smile. The "display of affection" list does not end unless your creativity and passion dies.
Therefore, as men and women talk about gifts and think of the ideal gift, you should think of the most creative one, not the most expensive. Then give it to your significant other on Feb. 15 and tell him or her that you waited to give the gift on a regular day because he or she is above the traditional and capitalistic (I love that word) holiday. Happy Valentine's Day to my special someone.
Kurt Davis is a Cavalier Daily Health and Sexuality columnist. He can be reached at kurt@cavalierdaily.com.
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