I used to love Valentine's Day, when I was younger and it was all about giving presents and being extra nice to people I liked. Now, it seems like a tug-of-war between the people who complain constantly about the holiday (like my brother) and companies that promote depressingly unhealthy relationship stereotypes to make a quick buck. It feels like being trapped between weird expectations and hostility, with huge potential for misunderstandings. It just kind of makes me sad now.

It probably doesn't help that the last time I wished someone a happy Valentine's Day, he freaked out and banned me because I had said it on his blog, where everyone could see it. Nothing says you're nothing quite like being someone's embarrassing little secret...

But I really like the day after Valentine's Day, when the very pretty flowers are on sale and I can maybe afford to get some, which are usually out of my financial reach. Pretty, fragrant flowers make any day nice, especially at the tail end of winter, before things start blooming. :)