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THE pressure is mounting. That day dreaded by many is fast approaching.
With just five days left before Valentine’s Day some men, if not most, are scratching their heads looking for ways to evade the celebration of love. The celebration has turned into a nightmare as some insatiable women capitalise by ordering their partners to shower them with expensive gifts.
The introduction of social media networking and picture sharing sites such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook has also had a major role to play as people often want to show off on these sites, in turn, putting pressure on their loved ones to deliver. If a partner fails to buy flashy gifts, they are often threatened with a break up.
But Valentine’s Day, commemorated each year on February 14, is meant to be a day when people show the one they love how they feel. Cards, candy, gifts or flowers are exchanged with one’s special “valentine”. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Unfortunately, not many women have been known to shower their partners with gifts on this day. Even though leap years have been set aside for women to treat their partners on Valentine’s Day, they seem to be ignoring that and pretending not to be in the know.
As a result, the pressure is on men to deliver. But will they deliver come Sunday? Already, a chat with colleagues shows that as expected at this time of the year, there are more fights among couples, simply due to the fact that the men conveniently clash with their partners to evade the much hyped celebration.
Well, a video clip making rounds on social networking sites by Internet comic sensation – @OfishalXavier does not inspire confidence. In the clip, the comedian states that men do not benefit from Valentine’s Day and thereby calls for the cancellation of the celebration.
“Very soon, this day that I don’t like and know all guys don’t like is coming. This day is Valentine’s Day. Truth be told, this day is problematic because most of us have bills to pay. There’s rent, insurance and nowadays tax to be paid. In short, there’s plenty of things we could do with this money other than having to buy ‘bae’ presents,” highlights @OfishalXavier.
He then defends his case saying men are presents to women adding that women should be grateful they have partners.
“Myself, I’m a present to her. She should know that instead of lying to each other that I’ve to shower her with presents.”
He touches on the role played by new media saying the plastic life lived by many on those networks has had a negative effect on them.
“Now my girlfriend has to take a picture of the gift and put it on Instagram to show her friends what I bought for her, in turn putting pressure on me. Yet I have bills.
“So if you ask me if I’m excited about this Valentine thing, the answer is no because who’s winning here? Who will Valentine me so that I also go and show my friends what I received? We don’t show off like that as guys so it doesn’t make sense for us to celebrate this day.
“This year’s Valentine’s Day actually, is cancelled, satsha,” concludes the comedian.
However, chances are high that only married couples and committed partners understand that the ideal Valentine’s Day is one that is low-key and romantic, but is not stressful or over-the-top.
It is these people who understand the purpose of the day that will be pleased to get things such as a heartfelt card, night without electronics, CDs and a framed photo among other things.
No matter how people celebrate Valentine’s Day, the day means something to everyone in their own way. As school children, a lot of times that meaning is friendship and candy, as teenagers it is a day to impress your significant other and win them over, and for adults mostly, the most important part is to spend time with your loved one and let them know how much you care.
Online Reporter