Cupid..

I have a real bone to pick with Valentine's Day.. I actually have a bone to pick with the idea that people feel entitled to the act of feeling "special.." I hate the word "special.." I hate when people say to a bride, "Whatever you want, it's your "special" day.."

Last I checked people get married everyday.. People also get divorced everyday.. Is that "special" too??

I get that I'm probably "special" to my parents, as they are to me.. My brothers are "special" to me as well, but probably not that "special" to people that don't know them..

I'm exhausted of engagement parties, bridal showers, birthday parties, Christmas presents, bachelorette parties and wedding gifts.. Society makes us feel that we must do these things in hopes that the recipient will feel "special.." Why??

I personally have NEVER needed an Easter egg basket to feel "special.." Nor have I needed a pair of roller skates, left under the Christmas tree, from Santa, to feel "special.." I didn't need $1.00 from the tooth fairy for every tooth I lost as a child, to feel 'special..' I didn't need anyone to tell me I'm "special.." I don't recall anyone ever telling me I was "special," but somehow, somehow, I survived this grueling, cruel world..

Celebrating ridiculous days like my birthday makes me feel uncomfortable.. After all, my Mother birthed me.. I had no choice in the matter, and I didn't do any of the work.. Why do people insist on showering me with gifts to make me feel "special??"

Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely against weddings.. But I thought a wedding was the celebration of a union of two people.. If that's what a wedding is, why is there an engagement party?? If the wedding day is actually the bride's "special" day then, why the bridal shower or bachelorette party??

And what business does a thirty year old woman have accepting gifts from her parents for Christmas?? What happened to Baby Jesus, and working hard to purchase your own purse??

I personally think and have always thought that love is the most intimate feeling, but one that is actually very easy to do.. Love has always been a very private matter for me.. My loved ones know who they are, and they know it all the time.. Not just on days that have been specially designated for it..

I don't love anyone anymore today than I did yesterday, and saying Happy Valentine's Day today doesn't make my love any more "special" to anyone than it did yesterday..

Chances are, my absence at a friend's wedding will not make her day any less "special" than if I was there.. The marriage will still take place, "Congratulations," will still be spoken..

When I look back on my favorite memories with loved ones, it's the little moments that are sacred to me; the glances, the jokes, the laughter, heartfelt words and comforting hugs.. My memories are not filled with thoughts of days that people bought me things in efforts to make me feel "special.."