When people hear I am a romance writer I almost want to wince.  The glamour of being a romance writer is much like any other career: A lot more glamorous in concept than  reality.

The truth is, the day that is intended to be the most romantic of the whole year (thank you Hallmark) is really one of my least favorite holidays.  It’s true.  I am staunchly anti Valentine’s Day.

I can hear you all screaming “Why?”  It’s intended to be a day where you tell the people you love how much they mean to you, right?  What could be wrong with that?  We need more love in the world.  How could I snub Valentine’s Day??

Here’s my problem with Valentine’s Day

First, much like writing romance, it’s a lot more glamorous in the pictures and movies, even books, than it is in real life.   Which, I could deal with.  Many things in life are.  I should know, I write about the things that are outrageously impractical and improbable.

However, and much more importantly, do we really need one single day to be carved out to tell the important people in our lives that we love them?  Do we need a major commercial chain to tell us ‘Hey, today’s the day you’re supposed to be nice and loving!’

If we do, I say we’re a pretty lacking society as a whole.

I choose to be anti-valentine’s day – and I challenge others to do the same.  Remember each day to tell the people who are important in your life how much you love them and appreciate them.  Don’t wait for a greeting card company to come along and remind you not to take people for granted.  Buy a carnation and give it to someone, not because it’s the day for it but because you just felt inspired to see them smile and brighten their day.

So, my friends, buck the trend.  Be anti Valentine’s Day and make it a Valentine’s year!