Valentine’s Day may be the world’s most hated holiday – but I won’t be joining the pile-on | James Colley

You don’t need flowers, chocolates or a card. You don’t even need to be celebrating romantic love. But I like the idea of recognising the everlasting surprise of loving and being loved

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It’s pure commercialism. It was invented by greeting card companies. It is a cynical attempt to commodify love. It’s exclusionary. It’s sappy. It fosters misery. It’s completely unnecessary. And, above all, I like it.

Valentine’s Day, perhaps the world’s most hated holiday. Marked each year by intense pressure, overhyped marketing campaigns, and all-too-often dashed hopes. But get this, maybe it’s nice. Did you think about that? No, you didn’t. You only think about yourself. No wonder you’re so lonely this Valentine’s Day. Sorry, sorry, you pushed me and I went way too far. I apologise unreservedly. Please, allow me to explain.

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