Once the calendar turns to February, many people see all the heart-shaped candy in stores and either get super-romantical, or depressed. But there are other ways to approach this holiday; this article by Maria Padhila originally published Feb. 16, 2013. — Amanda
By Maria Padhila
Valentine’s Day makes people insane. I’m sitting here watching it first-hand. I’m trying to work on a laptop computer in the anteroom of the dance studio, where there are long lunch tables for parents with electronic devices, kids having snacks, and both doing homework, while behind long banks of glass windows are the studios.
The place is designed so you can watch your child at all times if you like, and that’s pretty legit. There are two other things I really like about this studio: they’re open to children with all kinds of learning and developmental disabilities (they have a lot of specialists and therapists on staff), and they’re rigorous about not enforcing body size or shape standards. Come as you are is the rule, and we’ll all work with it.
As a result, most of the kids seem to fall into an average body size range. Isn’t it strange how these things can fall into place when you stop worrying about it? But there’s something to be said that most of them get healthful, regular meals, largely organic, I’m betting; good medical care; and lots of exercise. Lucky girls.
Anyway, there’s a lot of noise and running and playing, but that doesn’t bother me, and usually I can work through it with no problem, but on this Valentine’s Day it’s a freaking zoo. Screaming, flouncing, sulking, even pushing furniture around, all ages, 2 to 14.
After an hour of this, I’m wondering what the hell is up, and then I remember what day it is. The majority are probably on a sugar high, and anyone who’s not is on a love jones. Insane. Blame the holiday!