Feeling pressure on Valentine’s Day? You should be so lucky.

The only dating blog about men, women and avertising.

As an ad writer turned online dating profile writer, I’m in a position to see Valentine’s Day from a broad perspective. As such I’ve learned that Valentine’s Day is, without a doubt, most loved by advertisers. Florists, chocolate makers, lingerie stores, restaurants, even strawberry growers (seriously, I saw organic ones on sale today at Whole Foods as part of their in-store Valentine’s Day promotions) – all wholeheartedly embrace this special day.

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Single men and women often don’t appreciate it at all. Even men and women in relationships don’t and mainly because they feel “pressured” into celebrating it. To those people, I suggest you get over it.

A word  to men and women who feel V Day “pressure”.

From the time we’re born, we experience pressure. We’re forced to eat Brussels sprouts, wear itchy clothes, finish school, get up early, go to work, read inane employee handbooks (not to mention motivational posters), get passport photos that are supposed to reflect our current appearance when, in fact they make us look like characters from Night of the Living Dead.

We’re also expected to get driving tests and eye tests, get blood tests and stool samples. Eventually, after years of succumbing to societal pressure, we die and then people are forced to send flowers and  pay their respects.

So, rather than feel pressured into celebrating, recognize that you have free will and don’t have to celebrate if you don’t want to. On the other hand, why in the world wouldn’t you? Celebrating a day dedicated to love is not exactly dreadful.

A word to single men and women who feel left out on Valentine’s Day.

As for single men and women who may feel divorced from this holiday. To them, I say – broaden your thinking. Valentine’s Day isn’t about couples, it’s about love. If you’ve ever been loved –  or have the love  of one family member, one friend, even one little pet– then you’re luckier than many. If you actually have self-love, you’re luckier than many. I volunteer for homeless youth and I’m often reminded to keep that perspective. So try to enjoy it.

25 Worst Valentine’s Day Ads

Business Insider recently ran a great article features the 25 Worst Valentine’s Day Ads. It’s  a great read. Most of the offending ads are just dull and not that bad at all, but that’s just my brilliant opinion.

On that note – I think #6, the one for the Portuguese Cardiology Foundation is intelligent on so many levels. The ad is simple. The message painfully clear. In addition, the foundation picked the ideal time to advertise. People lose their loved ones to heart failure. So, to run this ad at this time, is powerful in my opinion. That’s a strategic buy that takes into consideration the psychology of its audience.

I also think #14 for Thrifty and #15 for nutrient water are both pretty funny, whereas I loathe #25 for Natan Jewelry.

Top Valentine’s Day Ads

Not surprisingly, the Nutrient ad featured as one of the worst by Business Insider is considered one of the best in Ad Madness’ Top Valentine’s Day Ads article. That always happens in advertising. The best and worst ads can sometimes be the same. Also in common –   they were crafted for impact.

On a final note, advertising uses techniques to make people stop and take notice. That’s why I write online dating and LinkedIn profiles using these techniques. See the difference ad writing makes – check out my samples of online dating profiles and LinkedIn profiles. Better still, get started by completing the online personality quiz. It’s the first step to a great online dating profile. The second  is to hire me. Also, if you like what you’ve read, then please join me on Twitter and  Facebook page.