A young couple strolling hand in hand at Devon House, Jamaica.
by Jodi-Ann Morris
The whole idea of Valentine’s Day has slowly transformed itself into a sideshow that has progressively pushed cynics about the matters of the heart over the edge. Don’t get me wrong I’m a lover not a fighter (cue The Kinks 1960s I’m A Lover Not Fighter playing softly in the background.) but this red and white day has created a love-hate relationship with cupid.
Valentine's Day hearts and decorations.
Expectations and Agitations
Each year, it is certain that there are some girls who secretly wait with baited breath for the moment their boyfriend or hopeful romantic makes a grandiose public display of affection. For some men, this is the time when the feeling of slight agitation becomes their dear old friend for the day. With hints from their significant other to the constant mainstream and business reminders of Valentine’s Day, allowing others to see how you feel about someone can become a bit stressful.
“We live in a generation of not being in love.”
Disclaimer to remember: Lover not fighter! However, I can’t help but assuming the role of devil’s advocate. Valentine’s Day does have the characteristic of lacking depth and true emotions. The reason why some of us love Valentine’s Day is that we like the picture it paints of being in love. We like what we see and not necessarily what it feels like to be in love. We’ve grown so accustomed to the idea of being in love that for some of us the definition of love has changed. Cute cupid armed with a love arrow, rainbows, and hearts has commercialized love for us. So this Valentine’s Day and every day after that, actually know the feeling of love whether it is for a special someone, your family or friends.
"Love" necklace in the weeds.
Photographs taken by Jodi-Ann Morris.
