As I write this, I am faced with two facts:
Today is Friday the 13th.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day.
Since the purpose of this post is to discuss words and why...
I've never truly bought into the idea of Friday the 13th being unlucky. Nor did I know that there is a term for such a belief..."paraskavedekatriaphobia."
I can't even begin to try to sound out the word!
Anyway, it seems that Friday the 13 and/or the number 13 is NOT universally acknowledged as unlucky.
#1 In Italy 17 is considered unlucky
#2 In China 4 is unlucky because it sounds like the word for โdeath.โ
#3 In Spain & Greece only Tuesday the 13th is an unlucky day.
#4 In some cultures 13 is actually a lucky number.
I take great umbrage with those who consider the 13th an unlucky day, since it is the date of my birth! And for those who wish to mount a counter argument (yes, I'm looking at you James Abt save your breath....and typing skills!
Onto February 14th....
Like a lot of holidays, a date dedicated to love can be tough on people. Before you start typing a counter comment to my observation, hear me out.
I am divorced. I live alone. I am not currently dating.
Those three things alone could qualify me as a Valentine's Day hater.
I will admit there have been years when my heart day celebration consisted of spoonfuls of ice cream straight from the carton, washed down with a few glasses of pinot noir--- all while warbling along with Frank Sinatra on his "In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning" Album.
(If you don't get the reference, get yourself to Spotify or Prime and search/listen. It's a classic.)
Thankfully, I am now a recovered Valentine's Day hater, after finally realizing that love is far more meaningful than the "Prince Charming Fairy Tale" version that defined my young world.
While there may not be a singular person to whom I'm connected by a ring or a license, I am surrounded by love---
From family, friends and neighbors, readers and writers, people for whom I work and who work for/with me, and from total strangers who smile, say hello, or comment on whatever crazy hairdo or outfit I've chosen for the day.
And though it may sound trite---knowing full well my faults and shortcomings--- I've come to love and even like me. To quote Academy Award Winning Actress, Sally Fields," I really like me!"
And that just may be the best reason to celebrate a day dedicated to the heart.
Well, there was that one year when dozens of roses arrived.....
Happy Friday the 13th and Valentine's Day to all โค
Cheers!
