Songsoptok
interview
Valentine’s Day – myth or reality?
SONGSOPTOK: Valentine’s Day has become
one of the major festivals these days, comparable to Thanksgiving, Christmas,
Diwali, Id, Rosh Hashanah or Chanukah and observed by men and women
irrespective of religion. Do you agree? How important is it in the country you
live in??
MEGAN: I do agree with that. I believe that it has
become observed more over the years.
SONGSOPTOK: Why do you think Valentine’s Day has become so important all over the world
irrespective of the political, social and religious dimensions? Do you think
that the anxiety and stress related to modern day relationships have
contributed to its growing popularity all over the world?
MEGAN: I believe that it has become
important because it is a day to show love in spite of everything else that may
be going on in the world at that particular time period.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? In what way? If you don’t, will you please
explain why not?
MEGAN: I do celebrate but I do it
in very minimalist way. Normally it is just dinner with my boyfriend or candy
and a card. I do not believe that you need to go overboard in order to show
someone that you love them. It is the little things that truly count the most.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you feel obliged to do something special for your spouse/partner on
Valentine’s Day or it is similar to and as natural as celebrating birthdays and
anniversaries? In other words, is there any peer pressure to conform to the
traditions associated with the modern version of Valentine’s Day?
MEGAN: For me, it is as natural as
celebrating any birthday or anniversary. We show each other that we care about
each other each and every day of our lives. We don’t need a special day that we
show the other person how much they mean to us.
SONGSOPTOK: According to you what, if anything, is
special about Valentine’s Day? Does it play an important role in romantic
relationships? Why? Is it important for you to surprise your partner on
Valentine’s Day? What would be your preferred way?
MEGAN: For me, Valentine’s Day is
not that special. Within my relationship, it does not play a particularly
important part. As I stated in the question above I do not believe that you
should need a special day to show someone how much they mean to you. It should also
be able to been done with your actions and not just gifts.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you buy gifts on Valentine’s Day? What type of gifts do you normally
buy? Do you think it is important to follow the norm and go for the traditional
gifts like flowers, chocolates, cards, perfumes etc.? Please share your
motivations or lack of them with us?
MEGAN: YesNormally it is just cards or candy. I do not believe that it is important to
follow the norms though. Truly in my eyes, it depends on the person that you
are buying for. If there is something that you know that they would like better
than you should get them that.
SONGSOPTOK: Marketing Gurus often dub Hallmark as the official sponsor of Valentine’s
Day in the USA. Do you have any equivalent in your own country? Do big consumer
good companies carry out an aggressive promotion campaign for Valentine’s Day?
What are their preferred channels? Do social media play an important role in
this respect in your country of residence?
MEGAN: Many of the big consumer
good companies carry out huge campaigns during the Valentine’s Day season
especially the jewelry companies such as Kay Jewelers. They air a lot of
television commercials as well as many ads on the internet.
SONGSOPTOK: What are the popular customs related to Valentine’s Day in the country you
live in? What do you think about them? Do you think that men and women actually
enjoy and look forward to 14th February or is it just a matter of keeping up
with the Jones’??
MEGAN: There are many different
customs within my country. Some of which
include the giving of large floral bouquets particular ones that include roses.
Many couples also go for a romantic dinner. There is also the tradition giving
jewelry for Valentine’s Day. Some of
these tradition I believe to be a bit on the extravagant side. A nice dinner is
one thing but when someone feels the need to buy an expensive of jewelry in
order to show their love I believe that is a tad unnecessary. I do believe that
some people do enjoy Valentine’s Day but for many especially those that are not
financially well off it can be more of a matter of keeping up with the norm
than actually an enjoyable day.
SONGSOPTOK: Do you think that there is actually a social stigma for single, unattached
people who do not celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you think that the Valentine
Day extravaganza may have a negative impact on their psyche, moral and
ultimately their well-beings? What is your own experiences? Would you please
share it with us?
MEGAN: I do believe that society
today does project a stigma onto singles during Valentine’s Day. I do believe
especially during the month leading up to Valentine’s Day that it could have a
negative effect on a single person’s moral. When I was single during the Valentine’s
season, I could get depressed watching and hearing about all of the happy
couples and their Valentine’s Day plans.
MEGAN GOFF is a 33 year
old published poet. Her book, Penned Straight From the Heart, is available on
both Lulu and Amazon. She is currently working on another book of poems
entitled Easier Said Than Done which she hopes to have completed within the
next few months. Megan also plays the
flute as well as singing acapella.
We sincerely thank you
for your time and hope to have your continued support.
Aparajita
Sen
(EDITOR)
Songsoptok
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