Writing Into the Day: Valentine's Day Edition

Valentine's day is a pretty big holiday celebrated here in the U.S. and with it comes many conventions. The conventions of Valentine's day are most importantly the colors: red, pink, and white. How these colors are expressed? In the wonderful shape of a heart. However, the heart isn't the only thing, many teddy bears, balloons, flowers, and chocolates are colored red, pink, and white. The conventions are simple and romantic, and sometimes tacky. But, that's what makes the holiday. Giving your 'valentine' a card with a gift from the holiday section is what Valentine's Day conventionally is. When I think of Valentine's Day, I usually come up with a list in my head: red, hearts, balloons, flowers, teddy bears, cards, and love. Even though some gifts may be a little tacky and basic, the intention is always good. It's always about sharing love and expressing that through these things.

A movie that has these conventions but isn't necessarily about Valentine's Day is How To Be Single. Ironically, this movie is all about love and acceptance. The main character, Alice, takes a break from her boyfriend and decides to find out who she is. Meanwhile, her boyfriend finds someone else and she is left alone. Alice, almost always wears red in the movie. The sub characters in the movie, like her sister, find the different types of love and acceptance. Her sister, who swore she never needed anyone, finds love with someone she didn't really like. He would surprise her with gifts and would try really hard to make her fall for him. Her friend, who is also her friend with benefits, falls for a girl he met in the bar he works at. He changes who he is and tries to impress her. Alice's other boyfriend, breaks up with her because he can't let go of his deceased wife and is protective over his daughter. He finds love with acceptance of her death and opens up to his daughter. Although Alice is surrounded by love from her friends, she subverts the idea of Valentine's day and loves herself and accepts being alone. This movie has a tendency to show a lot of red props and make that the focusing color to portray love.