When I was a kid, all I knew was that February was the month of romance, and the history of Valentine's Day was way beyond my knowledge and interest

Look what we've done to Valentine's

When I was a kid, all I knew was that February was the month of romance, and the history of Valentine's Day was way beyond my knowledge and interest. It was just about all the good thingsu00a0-- red 'n' pink roses, chocolates, cards, and of course, that someone special, who so often seemed like the playmate you grew up with.

Unless, of course, you watched KKHH and looked up to actors like Shah Rukh Khan, wishing the guy you'd fall for, would somehow be everything that Rahul is. In school, we had crushes on our teachers, and wished to date them.

Back in those days, we were a group of friends, both girls and boys. We used to hang out together, play outdoor games, spend time with each other. It's a common phenomenon, developing a soft corner for that someone in the group who seems to care the most. At that blessed moment, he/she is the only, 'forever' one. The One.

But as we grow up, things change completely. The hope of true love gradually perishes; in the end, it's only reduced to a race to charm. A day to start a new relationship, to end one, to harp upon the past, to sigh at the future. The true meaning of the occasion has been exploited appallingly. A card saying 'Will you be my Valentine' is used to woo just about anyone in your proximity who fits the parameters of attractiveness.
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Exchanging expensive gifts and landing a new date every year has become the norm. Girls, too, choose high-end over heart. Generous pampering, unlimited rounds of drinks and a designer dress are the prerequisites to win over the average urban girl. Forget character and those philosophical things. Your worth is measured by the purse, not profundity. The new courtship call seems to beu00a0-- What is love? So full of care? Get outta my way, I don't just wanna stand and stare!

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