As this week's Insight looks at the , we asked some of our guests how they'd be spending the much anticipated / dreaded Valentine's Day.
Polly Mason
I actually see Valentine's Day as a day to be thankful for the ones I love and don't view it as a day just reserved for couples. I formed this opinion years ago when I didn't have anyone to spend a particular Valentine's Day with. Since then I've always made sure to spend it with someone who is important to me. There's always someone who doesn't have a partner!
This year I plan to spend it with my son - we are actually going out for lunch together to a nice family friendly Lebanese restaurant close to where I live. I know it doesn't mean anything to him but I like the idea of still having a special day in the year to do something we normally wouldn't do.
Polly Mason, speaking on Insight Source: Insight
Cynthia Francis
Valentine's Day - a day I prefer to forget along with New Year's Eve. I have never, in all my 62 years of life, had a partner (with me) on either of those days, ever. I was always alone, and in the earlier years, watching others with their partners, only exacerbated my sense of being single and somewhat alone. So, to avoid that feeling it became a routine really that stayed home and went to bed early, initially to get the day over with, now it is just another day like any other.
Valentine's Day - a day I prefer to forget along with New Year's Eve. I have never, in all my 62 years of life, had a partner (with me) on either of those days, ever.
Thomas Materia
Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean anything to me as I don’t have a partner. If I had one, perhaps I would put a bit of effort in. Good luck to those who look forward to the day though. It’s always nice to see people in long term relationships take the time to do something together. I usually do dinner with friends or just chill at home. The day comes and goes but doesn’t faze me.
Sarah McCormack
Thomas Materia, on Insight Source: Insight
I don't feel connected to Valentine's Day. I know it exists but I don't feel I fit with it. It's a day that I have ignored, I have moaned about and sometimes celebrated. Days like this may have had a significance in the past through its origins and traditions but then seems to drag on into modern day culture. I question the validity of Valentine's Day alongside Mother's/Father's Day (why isn't there an Aunty's Day?), in relation to the pressure it may put on people who don't have a partner, it can be a reminder about this very fact.
Valentine's Day is a very commercial business now too. Maybe we could all start to buy a goat as a gift to a valentine to help someone less fortunate. Overall, I don't mind Valentine's Day as it celebrates love but I think there are so many days we can do this throughout the year.
I question the validity of Valentine's Day alongside Mother's/Father's Day (why isn't there an Aunty's Day?), in relation to the pressure it may put on people who don't have a partner.
Cate Migliaccio
I'm looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day in bed, with my bunnies, watching Insight (I’ll be cringing for sure!!).
This week, Insight turns the tables on Valentines Day and gives a voice to Australian singles. Their numbers are on the rise - but why, and how? | Tuesday 14 February 8.30pm SBS
