We’ve seen it coming for weeks, stores are bringing in those bright red and pink signs and candy companies released their limited-time-only, heart-shaped treats.
Every other commercial is for a special treat for a special someone and flower shops all over this fine nation are ordering in double shipments of long stem red roses. Yes, its that time of year again, when love and sweet treats fill the air, choco-holics fall off the wagon, and overindulgence (whether out of self-pity or celebration) is the norm. Ahhh yes. Valentine’s Day.
Personally, my goal to continue my commitment to a healthy lifestyle through out this most trying of times was shattered at around 9:00 this morning. The struggle started when I stumbled across a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia in the freezer. It was a good fight, but in the end my will power was no match for the sweet creaminess of B&J.
While I realize that as an adult I am responsible for my own decisions, I believe there is more to this relatively harmless mishap than meets the eye. Known to cynics as the “Hallmark Holiday”, Valentine’s Day PR is no joke. Companies spend millions of dollars each year researching and promoting their products for this one, simple day. PR practitioners identify two separate target audiences: singles, and people in relationships; but the key overriding message is the same for both groups: its okay… go crazy… its just one day. By urging singles to find solace in sweets and pressuring pairs to exchange sugary treats as gifts, no one is safe from the long arm of the PR practitioner.
It’s brilliant really. Evil, and detrimental to my waistline. But brilliant nonetheless.
I realize that as the girl who eats ice cream for breakfast, I am in no position to offer advice, so I’ll keep it to a minimum. Set a goal for yourself for Valentine’s Day and try your best to stick to it. If you fail, as I did, don’t be to hard on yourself, its just one day a year and there are larger forces at work here.
