lovers and haters.

naturally, this week's lessons were devoted to the ever popular valentine card project.  however, when i asked my students what was special about February 14th, i received some blank stares - and no, it wasn't because they didn't understand what i asked.  once again, italy rolls it's eyes at an american making a fuss.  granted, we all know that valentine's day is just a overly commercialized hallmark holiday.  and i'm sure there are plenty of gents out there secretly wishing they didn't have to spend that sixty dollars on roses.  actually, come to think of it - i did see one girl with a bouquet of flowers yesterday.  

it's all so interesting to me - to see this from the other side.  i can recall going to school in all black on valentine's day (don't judge me - i was a thesbian).  i can also recall having a kickass valentine's meal w/ mark - still remains to be one of the best meals i've ever had.  and the most expensive.  (love you!)  there is this constant war between the masses with holidays such as this.  the lovers and the haters.  

the lovers.  for some, it's romantic...all the fuss and flowers.  for others, it's a forced night of spending lot of money, or as this some-ecard so perfectly addresses...perhaps it's vanity that makes us celebrate valentine's day.

the haters.  believe me.  i feel you - it sucks to be repeatedly reminded that you're single. but let's put valentine's day aside for a moment.  is it any suckier today than it was yesterday? ladies (and gentlemen), the more we focus on the negatives of singleness, the more we're going to miss about it when we're not single anymore.  it's not that single people don't have love.  we all have love, and lot's of it.  so instead of limiting this holiday to the romantic folk - let's celebrate loving in general.  

one last note - aside from the lack of recognition for st. valentine's day, italians don't use "i love you" very often.  it is reserved solely for those in serious relationships or married.  and when you DO say "i love you" to someone, it's a BIG deal.  italian's use the darling phrase "ti voglio bene"  or...literally translated "i want you well".  well, honestly our equivalent would be "i care for you very much".  you say this to your mom, dad, grandma, close friends.  you would by no means ever say "ti amo" to your dad.  that would be very edipus...  it really makes you think - do we throw around the L-word too much?