I Dislike Valentine's Day

[MichaelJH]

Sorry the latest trash mail from Ocado has just got to me. I get fed up in the run up to Christmas , Easter, Mothers' Day, etc. that I get bombarded with emails from Ocado, Waitrose, Moonpig, etc. Mothers' and Fathers' Day are irrelevant as both my parents are dead and I am unable to visit their grave to lay flowers (but I will think of them). Valentine's Day will never be the same to me as one of my best friends died suddenly and unexpectedly on Valentine's Day eleven years ago. In fact around half of my best friends are no longer with us. Sorry - just had to vent!

[Hrty]

No need to apologise for venting. One of my brothers died as a baby on Mum's birthday so that was hard for a few years. We lost another one just before Christmas a couple of years ago. Sadly, for some, what are happy, celebratory times for some can be very sad for others.

All the best

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Hrty]

Thank you!

[Dressage77 in reply to MichaelJH]

Agree! Hate Valentines Day as I don't currently have a partner. Way too much in stores in the way of cards, candy and other junk! The only Holiday I really like is Christmas. Holidays were not meant to just something that means you have to spend money on meaningless things! Maybe I will buy some candy the day after ......stores have to discount all the "junk" things then! Hahahahaha

[Hidden]

Hello

Vent away

A lot of these occasions we seem to have come up with are just a money making machine which at times can annoy me they have so many other days for this and that as well as the obvious

It is not as easy for some like Christmas can be difficult when it can stir up emotions as we have lost loved one's

I find Mothers Day really hard as I have lost my Mother and this might sound awful but I still have to make a fuss and get something for my Husbands Mum and it really does hurt as I wish so much I was getting something for mine

I do not think personally we need all these days ( other than companies making money from us ) we can show people we care and appreciate them any time of the year we want to !

You are not the only one this can get to and I hope the vent helped you feel a little better

Try and ignore it all the best you can after all really it is just another day x

[Heather1957 in reply to Hidden]

The problem is most of these celebrations have been with us for a very long time and at one time it was something we all enjoyed, obviously when your mother was with us you liked making a fuss over her and for me there are lots of children who want to still do that for their mother's.

I am NOT making light of your feelings now your mother isn't here anymore, I know I was only 20 when I bought my last Father's day card, but even though he is no longer with us it always focusses my mind on him, on Father's day, his birthday and the day he died, and actually it gives me a little joy to see children continuing that with their own dad's, who knows how long they will have them in their lives.

While most of these dates mean nothing to us or actually drag up some pain, I try and remember some people get a lot of joy from these days even if they have become commercialised.

I have more of a problem with gender reveal parties, baby showers etc as these are an American import which is just a way of getting more presents for a baby - you can tell I am a childless woman! 😂😂

[Hidden in reply to Heather1957]

Hello

I know what you are saying but back in my day Valentines day was suppose to be a secret if you sent something like a card keeping them guessing now everyone lets each other know which takes me back to if you want to let someone know you love them then you can do it all year

I agree it is a two way thing it can bring happiness to lot's of people and equally it can bring sadness to just as many and those that it does need a little bit of support and kindness to know they are not alone with how they feel

Hope you are keeping well and have that next Holiday booked x

[Heather1957 in reply to Hidden]

Lots of holiday's booked but I won't brag as I know what happened last time I mentioned going on a cruise and low cut tops!! LOL 😂

I have long stopped worrying about Valentine's day and the number of cards I will get from secret admirers, those days are long gone, but I can't help drooling over M & S Valentine's day meal for 2.

I can't understand why some people buy gifts for Easter rather than the traditional egg. A relative of mine gives her child and step child a mini Christmas, now I find that ridiculous!!

I just dismiss the dates that don't involve my life and try and get involved when I can, I decorate my house window with Halloween decorations and stickers and at Christmas I have the window painted.

If you can't beat them join them!! LOL

Paintings of gonks

[Hidden in reply to Heather1957]

Hello

O please brag about your Cruise and how many including the low cut tops now you see I enjoy reading about others holidays and what they have done as I will never be able to do it

Well look at you with that window that is great !

I would have had to keep that all year x

[Heather1957 in reply to Hidden]

Last Christmas I had a real gonk Christmas theme going on, I bought so many Gonk items I will have to do the same this year!! Ha ha ha!

[Hidden in reply to Heather1957]

Hello

Well show us a picture when you have they are all in gonks x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

I imaginer you are looking forward to your fry-up in April. Don't forget the black pudding this time - it boosts your iron levels!

[Heather1957]

I am actually indifferent to the hype even when it doesn't affect me.

I don't have a partner so Valentine is of no interest to me, but it brings happiness to many others even if it is all commercialised.

My mother is still with me (91 years old) so I do get her a mothers day card but I have no children, that doesn't mean I don't love to see the hand made cards of children on mothers/fathers day. My father died way back in 1979 so I haven't bought a fathers day card for many many years but again I know so many children want their dad's to know how much they love them.

I will admit I love Christmas, never used to but Winter is such a miserable time I love the lights and tinsel etc, yes again very commercialised but love the family time.

Of course not everyone agrees and sometimes it can be an inconvenience I just remember that these events bring joy to some people so I can put up with them.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Thank you fir all the kind and supportive comments. I am usually OK with all these endless money making promotions, particularly going around shops. It's the targeted emails that get to me. They all seem to assume you are a happy couple with 2.4 children and a dog whose parents are alive and well. In the road where I lived pre-amputation out of a dozen properties only three had children (and two were single mothers) and only two had dogs (one was a couple whose daughter flew the nest years ago and the other a window in her seventies [I knew her husband who was about ten years older than me but died before he reached 50]).

[Heather1957 in reply to MichaelJH]

Oh I agree re the assumption!

So many adverts seem to sell based on that 'perfect' family unit. I actually find it odd in this day and age anyone knows what a family unit looks like.

I was just watching one of these border patrol programmes where 2 women and a man had been called for secondary checks, they were a husband and wife and their girlfriend who happened to be wearing cat ears.

Now I know people can live as they choose within the law, but TBH I have no idea of what is what anymore.

There are many new 'days' yet to be named me thinks!! 😜 There are bound to be non binary parents so you can't have mother's day or father's day, so maybe parents day?

[uzininemm]

I do know where you are coming from, a constant bombardment.

It's a shame these organisations don't do what some of the restaurants do and give the option to opt out of emails around MD and FD.

Of course the organisations themselves could say you are given the option to not receive email communications!

[Lupaal in reply to uzininemm]

On all the emails I've received from companies for special occasions, it says on them, as it can be a sensitive time there is an option to opt out . Personally if its an occasion not relevant to me I just ignore it . I'm happy to think of my parents on Mothers and Fathers days etc . even though I no longer have them .

[Bingofox007]

I’m with you 100%. You vent away! Take care 🦊

[Maisie2014]

I’m always shocked how much companies know about me but I do use the internet a lot so I’m not surprised (if that makes sense). Since retiring my husband and I get lots of literature on funeral plans. I don’t want to know. It was my birthday on Saturday and the fourth anniversary of my heart attack. I’ve just got over a second dose of the disease we’re not allowed to mention and I’m bruised on both arms from all the blood tests this week. We’ve had so many funerals these last couple of years. On a positive note I’m starting to feel good and I have two great granddaughters (aged 2 months and 15 months) and I feel really lucky to have such a lovely family.

My advice Michael is just swipe unwanted emails, texts etc and place the junk mail in the bin. Take care.

[JeremiahObadiah]

It’s all just cynical marketing. For some reason the economy needs people to keep buying (usually junk) but not too much, or there will be inflation and interest rates will be raised to stop us buying the stuff!!

Sadly it’s how the financial world goes round so advertisers are desperately flogging whatever it is to make us want it. At Christmas the levels of forward planning and desperation to get us to hand over money gets to its peak but each and every particular occasion-Valentines Day, pancake day, Easter, the Coronation and on and on… is another opportunity to make money so they get busy well in advance.

It’s not personal and as such is obviously going to be against a particular faith or life choice, bore, upset, hurt or annoy people who don’t like the particular event or disagree with it or don’t have the relevant family member .

It is not easy to turn an inner protective blind eye to hype and marketing but somehow people should be taught how to (marketing now is so clever with internet cookies sussing out who might be prey!)

Ps I really dislike pancakes, the smell, the texture, the unhealthy ingredients. Please don’t invite me to an online virtual pancake party!!

Happy Non Event Day Today

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

A Virtual Pancake Day - now I had not thought of that! Don't worry - I won't as it had to kick off the jam or cream first argument! 🤣🤣🤣

[JeremiahObadiah in reply to MichaelJH]

🥞…..😱 x

[Lezzers in reply to MichaelJH]

Jam first 😋

[Trishe]

I can understand Micheal JH,We lost our youngest Brother on valentines day last year, you vent all youlike if it helps you, I feel like screaming at time of such a waste of a young life.

Take care hugs sent to you 🤗 xx

[spinningjenny]

I know emails like these can be upsetting, especially if they closely follow the passing of a family member. Several websites now offer the opportunity to opt out of Mothers/Fathers day emails. I’ve chosen not to receive such messages. I’ve not come across Valentines Day as an option but I’m still in the fortunate position to have a husband who will be taking me out for a meal on Tuesday.

[Lilypocket]

Rant away Michael. We do get bombarded with so much gumpff. However Valentines day is my birthday so I shall have some friends round for a raclette. Even if it is supposed to be a romantic day my late husband wouldn't take me out on that day saying it was too commercial . He was right so we usually celebrated on a different day.

Take care and raise à glass to your departed best friend tomorrow x

[Harefieldfan]

sympathies, Michael. I hate them too. Enforced glee by the media and those who stand to make money out of all the unnecessary spending. I’m sure I read that there are increased suicides at Christmas time because all of the hype just exacerbates loneliness. Still, it will all go on, and we have each other to vent to.

[Hidden]

I may be teaching my Granny to suck eggs but, these ‘promotional’ emails you are getting can all be avoided. Generally, you need to go to the bottom of the email in question and, there will be an option to ‘unsubscribe’. Click on that and, you will be taken to the web where you will be able to unsubscribe and, therefore never get another email from the company in question again.

During COVID, some supermarkets did ask if you specifically wanted to avoid Mothers/Fathers Day related emails.

[lisburb]

Vent away Michael I'm not keen on them either. I loved Christmas a child it was full of great times with my Grandparents and all the family meeting up, as was Easter. Fast forward and I just dont seem able to recreate the same with my own very small family, I love putting up my tree and all the decorations but I hate the commercialism of it all. As for Valentines day, well I love all my friends and tell them but I understand the loneliness it creates too. I never had a valentines day card until I was in my early 20's, I never did find out who sent it lol.

[Handel]

Hello Michael. No need to apologise for having a rant! I do it all the time (usually muttering to myself and getting funny looks).

I've no mum or dad, Christmas is too commercialised, not even going to explain Halloween!, and bonfire night is a joke. Valentine's day means nothing at all to us (but perhaps it means a lot to others).

Hope you're keeping well.

Lots of love from a grumpy old woman!! Jan xxxx

[Airlie37]

Vent away that's what people are for.... someone will always listen.I struggle with Father's Day and Mother's Day since losing both my parents, Christmas is hard for that reason too plus my Mum died 6 days before Christmas Day. Boxing Day will never be the same as that was the day,last year,my husband had his heart attack.

I think I would happily hibernate and then wake up some time in January.

😊

[vittorio]

HMM, SORRY TO HEAR THESE DATES ARE UPSETTING , AND QUITE UNDERSTAND THEIR RELEVANCE ....= MOST OF THESE DAYS , LIKE MOTHER'S DAY , FATHER'S DAY , GRANNY'S DAY , I EVEN SAW ... " PETS' DAY" .. ! ETC ETC ...AND THE INFAMOUS HALLOWEEN ....... ALL CAME FROM - AMERICA ! ..AND ARE JUST ANOTHER MONEY MAKING RACKET .... AND EVEN OUR BELOVED CHRISTMASS , HAS TURNED INTO ANOTHER " MONEY SPINNER " = . ....LAST YEAR I EVEN SAW A PUB SIGN ADVERTISING = " CHISTMAS DAY LUNCH , - BOOK NOW " .........................THIS WAS IN MARCH !!!...😮

[Jetcat]

there’s nothing wrong with a good old vent Michael, I think it does us good sometimes too.👍

[Gumbie_Cat]

I got my Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis on Valentine’s Day last year. Luckily I found it funny.

[Ozette]

Michael. I agree. I don't currently and never have had a valentine....was married even but he wasn't a Valentine. And I know there are many disappointments on that day especially when one's day doesn't come close to the commercial hype. I do enjoy Christmas but miss my parents very much at that time of year and especially how our family gathered at their home This last year I decided to concentrate on and celebrate what we had together, love, fun, joy, steadiness, the gift of it all and them. It really helped.

[Hidden]

Agree with the thoughtless way companies bombard us with spam mail and leaflets and continual adverts to further their profits.Agree about mother's day/father's Day cards and gifts when people have long lost them.

As for buy your funeral with us adverts, for crying out loud leave us alone, don't call us someone will call you if they want your services!

Another pet hate? Give us just £3 a month for XYZ!

Don't try guilt trip us, if we all gave each beg £3 a month we'd be bankrupt get the greedy utilities companies to fund them.

Now look what you've done Michael, pressed the start buttons 🤣🤣 I bet we're not alone either x

[GrannyE]

That is what we are here for.

Have just ordered at vast expense essential oils of Chamomile Roman for Stress and Chamomile German for skin problems for family members and also Lavender which is calming and good for sleep and also anti bacterial and anti fungal. Most essential oils should only be applied on the skin a few drops in a carrier oil. I sniff various ones regularly cos some bring the blood pressure down. Anyway they can be mood uplifting.

[PecanSandie]

I got married on Valentine's Day and tomorrow will be my 35th wedding anniversary. At least it's easy to remember. 😍

[Lezzers]

Most of the big companies email you asking if you want to opt out of the emails for mother's/father's Day, I'm not sure about Christmas/Easter etc though you would hope so as not everyone celebrates those days. As for valentine's day we're spending it at Papworth, as it's a renowned heart hospital it seems appropriate really!

[Platypus6]

valentines day and a lot of the ones are a croc of s… and just money making schemes 😂

[Jojobeanz]

Me too Michael, it's not as if we love once a year or anything... Also, people are forced to fake what they just don't feel the rest of the year!

[RailRover]

We've always completely ignored Valentine's Day. I tell her I love her all the time as she does me. Nobody needs a to buy a card to show their feelings. Show them every day.

[Heather1957 in reply to RailRover]

That is true but Valentines day has been around for years, it is a day for love, good luck to those who celebrate it apart from the hypocrites and I know there are loads of those!! 😜

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Heather1957]

I am not a Hypo Crite but a Jedi!

[Heather1957 in reply to MichaelJH]

I worked with plenty of people who bought the biggest Valentines cards and the biggest bunches of roses for both their wives and their girlfriends!! 😅

[Athomeinyorkshire]

Hallo Michael. I hope you are well. I'm not going to have a nice Valentine's Day because a good friend passed away this afternoon. I'm at an age when I've already lost many friends .

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Although I am home alone I will be having a Valentine's Meal4Two as it was half-price when I did my online shop! 😬

[Heather1957 in reply to MichaelJH]

Result!!

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Heather1957]

Not really! Quality did not match the price point. If I had paid full price I would have asked for a refund! Pure cynical marketing!

[Heather1957 in reply to MichaelJH]

That is disappointing, when the actual product doesn't live up to the anticipation I would be gutted!!

[Sanpedro2019]

Hi just a joke I slept like a baby last night waking up every crying wanting food

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Sanpedro2019]

Did you need changing?

[Sanpedro2019 in reply to MichaelJH]

No I got away with that

[Sanpedro2019]

4 hours

[Pollypuss]

Quite agree. I f my husband gave me a Valentine card I would suspect there was something wrong with me🤣

[Heythrop51]

I dislike the sheer profiteering of it in particular the price of flowers. But then people are odd as an acquaintance complained about the price of bread and milk and yet spent over £60 on a few roses! The prove per 100 grams of some of the chocolate boxes is silly as well compared to high end chocolate bars!