// halle.tc

Love is always the dominant motif in a successful life. Most of us have love in our hearts, but too often it remains there, never manifesting itself before those who inspire it. Perhaps the business of living in this day and age when every moment requires energy and exertion, precludes the constant exhibition of sentiment.

A friend of mine asked me the date of Sweetest Day, which is right around the corner. So, I asked aloud to my coworkers if anyone knew the date. Sitting around me were two mid-westerners, a Bostonian, and two Californians.

No one had even heard of Sweetest Day. Except the folks from Ohio. I guess I assumed it was part of every American’s autumn celebrations. Another excuse to eat candy and get presents from your boyfriend. Another wonderfully commercial day of excessive chocolate and store-bought cards.

So what is Sweetest Day? It’s a Hallmark Holiday. And Hallmark is ironically headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Apparently at one time, it was a day to care for the old, sick, and poor by giving them chocolate and Hallmark cards. But now we realize that the sick and poor don’t need more junk food and cavities– so we reserve the sweetness of a sugar hangover for our loved ones.