Goldendale Sentinel Editorial

Love is in the air

A Goldendale Sentinel Editorial  

     That time of year has come again.
     Red hearts line the grocery store aisles; boxes of chocolates tempt children; flower bouquets beckon young couples.
     Yep, it is Valentine's Day - that day all are free to indulge in the joys of romance and eat chocolate with unapologetic vigor.
     Kids love it. In addition to being allowed all the candy they can eat (trumped only by Halloween), they get to stuff little love notes filled with funny messages into their classmates' mailboxes. Even better, some of those end up in an admirer's hands.
     Of the many excitements of the world, few thUings top the fluttering energy of a nine-year-old in possession of a Valentine from their secret crush. It is playground material for weeks: "What did it say?" "What did it mean?" "Eeek!"
     And it's not just for kids. Adults love it too.
     Those who are single get a chance to set off with friends in search of romance. Ladies scope out potential dates, fellows flirt with new gals, and huddles of women laugh about past relationships.
Others are on first dates. Restaurants fill with cozy diners sitting by a crackling fire. Tables are sprinkled with wine and roses.
     Those who already have sweethearts--husbands, wives, girlfriends and significant others, spend quality time together, away from kids, work, and other distractions.
Diamond sales skyrocket this time of year and many young lovers pop the questions. Others yet tie the knot.
     Yes, there are many ways people enjoy Cupid's favorite day and just one that sometimes spoils it. That is a simple tendency of the, ahem, shall we say "less fair" sex, to somehow remember Valentine's Day on Feb. 15.
     Although it is unclear why this trend emerges, it generally occurs the next morning when a front door has been mysteriously locked or shaving cream slipped into a hubby's shoes.
     In the name of minimizing such encounters this year, we at The Sentinel have opted to remind everyone that Valentine's Day is in fact Feb. 14, or this Saturday.
     Whether a bouquet of flowers, a quiet dinner for two, or a simple "Happy Valentine's Day, dear," do something special for your sweetie. The choice is yours.
     Just don't forget!