The V word

I've seen a few posts so far on the subject of Valentine's Day. Being as we are now in February, the usual commercial machinery is past the ticking stage and is now rumbling along like a tank. This clearly pisses some people off. I have to admit I'm not a fan of over commercialisation of anything, much less love, but I feel I have to make a point here. In any situation where a gift is given, there are two people involved. The general opinion thus far seems to be that the receiver should not feel like they have to have a gift thrust upon them. This is fair enough, however there is someone else to consider. The idea that giving a gift is an imposition on the giver and they'll be thankful for having that taken away is complete crap. Some of us *like* to give gifts. It makes us happy. Denying someone the opportunity to give a small token of their affection is just as much of an emotional crime as having to receive a gift you don't want. At best, refusing to allow someone to give you a gift says "I don't want your attention", at worst it says "I don't care about you enough that it is appropriate for you to give me gifts". I'm not saying that's what's intended, but it's what's heard.

I realise this may be construed as flamebait. Frankly, I don't give a monkey's. I'm sick of one side being put forward to the exclusion of the other. If you don't want a gift, be sensitive about it. It's not hard.