The Nonchalant Era
Heyyy, how are you all doing?
We are in that time of the year where everywhere you step, you see love in the air. And trust me, there is nothing wrong with that. But something always makes me wonder — is Valentine’s Day and this entire week a business gimmick, or is it really about love?
As most of you might know, I am single. But there was a time I was in a relationship too. I have seen partners who say this is all a waste of money. A rose today costs twice its normal price. And I have also seen partners who romanticise it, who want to celebrate, who want to make something grand out of it.
My logical side tells me that one day or one week cannot make something special. It has to be consistent. It has to be all the time. But another part of me feels these small moments are reminders. They make you pause and realise how important someone is in your life.
Now the world works a little differently.
When I started dating a few years ago, gestures and affection meant something. Making an effort to make your partner feel special was normal. Now there is this entire culture of being chalant and nonchalant. Acting unbothered. Acting like effort is too much.
I am practical, yes. But I still believe making an effort matters. Showing someone you matter. Saying you are chosen. Doing something simply because you know your partner will like it.
I know such love still exists in today’s time. The kind where you are loved and pampered without hesitation. But my question remains the same: is doing something only for this week and not for the entire year a deal breaker? Or doing it all year and ignoring this one week a deal breaker?
Also, what really stops people from doing it?
We say life is busy. Ask me about it. But here is a small exercise for you. Start noting the things you do not like, and you will find a hundred reasons not to do them. Now choose something you genuinely like. You will not need reasons. You will simply do it.
So whether Valentine’s Day is important to you or not, if your partner or loved one can feel good because of it, why not? What is truly stopping you?
Even if it is a business gimmick, are we not already part of so many systems created by business? So why is this the one we question so deeply?
At the end of the day, it depends on you. Whether you choose bare minimum or princess treatment. Whether you choose to be chalant or nonchalant. And trust me, this is not gender specific.
Big wins deserve celebration, yes. But the joy of celebrating something small, just because you can, is a different kind of happiness.
And before anyone misunderstands — after saying all this, do not assume I am not celebrating. Having a partner or not should never restrict you from finding joy.
I celebrate myself. I have been. I will continue to. And that is the standard I hold for myself too.
