I hate Valentine’s Day.

It’s true. I like Valentine’s Day crafts and decorating and baking. I mean, what’s not to love about pink hearts and chocolate? But, I hate Valentine’s Day.

I guess a woman who thinks love is for suckers and a man who thinks Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday are not exactly the poster children for romance, but that’s not why I hate it.

I think Valentine’s Day just sets people up for disappointment. And I think that sucks.

There’s so much pressure to make it special. The perfect dinner, just the right gift, the most romantic night ever. How could something like that not end in disappointment?

I did get a nice surprise this morning, when my 7-year-old came in my room and gave me a construction paper heart that said, “Happy Valentine’s Day Mom,” and a hug. How could I not love that?

But then, I pulled a muscle in my back while making cupcakes and have been in excruciating pain ever since. Yea, Valentine’s Day!

The thing I hate most about Valentine’s Day is the constant stream of sappy, over-the-top expressions of love. Facebook is the worst. Ugh!

I may have mentioned that I think love is for suckers. Yeah, I am a big time cynic when it comes to believing in the happily ever after kind of love you see in the movies, or on diamond commercials.

And don’t tell me I just haven’t found the right person or I will punch you, after I barf.

I’ve been in love. I’ve been head-over-heels, over-the-moon in love (though you would never catch me gushing about it on facebook – ever). I am just realistic about the fact that love is not that perfect thing that people try to make it out to be.

Love leads to pain, and vulnerability, and disappointment, even in the best of relationships. It’s not all roses and chocolate and the perfect night out. That’s the nature of loving someone. In order to do it, you have to leave yourself open to all that bad stuff. And it’s inevitable that the person you love will hurt you, even if they don’t mean to. You know, being human and all.

That’s not to say that I don’t think we need love. It’s important. Not as important as air, or food, or even facebook, but it is important. It also kind of sucks.

I wonder if I could get that on a Hallmark card.