“All You Need is Love”

Try as I may, there are times, when even this jaded, black biker jacket-wearing, former Gothie has moments when even something as ridiculous as Valentine’s day kind of makes me smile and dare I say, sort of sappy. Well, perhaps “sappy” is the wrong word. Either way lets just say, I’m a lot more prone to let out a high-pitched, “awwww…" every now and then during this time. But don't let this fool you. There are issues I'd like to address.

Despite my less than favorable view on Valentine’s Day, I am actually a big romantic. I just have my own outlook on the matter. I think it’s preposterous that someone should be made to feel guilty for not expressing in some form of overture that includes something stuffed, plush, or anything displaying a certain winged cherub wielding a poor choice for a plaything.

Love, and I quote, “is like oxygen. Love is a many splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love.” See, the way I see it. Love and the expression of love doesn’t have to be contained to a specific day. Love can be expressed from something as simple as a warm smile. A touch. A kiss. A great big hug when you don’t expect it. And all of these things don’t cost a thing and better yet, are readily accessible. So why then the big bucks for flowers, candy and the clearly dangerous baby?

My other gripe is this, as readily accessible those expressions of love are, why do we feel the need to define love. I loved my pets, love my hair dresser, I even love the feeling you get when you get that bit of food out from between your teeth. Love is many things. It’s physical. It’s a shoe. A great sale. Bacon (both tender and crispy. I’ll pass on the Canadian stuff, that’s just ham.) You name it. So why then put restrictions on it? Next time you’re out of ideas, give the person you feel a very strong inclination for some shoes or bacon for no apparent reason, on any given day. If they don’t appreciate the gesture, then I’d say, fuck ‘em!