Love & Feminism

Last week, many women and men celebrated International Women's Day (March 8th). Like Valentine's Day, it's a time for men to show women that they care.

It's another opportunity to look at the value of gift-giving.

These holidays should not be the only times we show our affection. In fact, grandiose gifts on these occasions usually mask a debt of gratitude that one owes. I use the word mask and not pay. We shouldn't give gifts so that we can say, "Oh yeah, well five years ago, on [insert holiday], I gave you a [insert grandiose gift]..." The purpose of gift is to give, not to make a deposit.

Gift giving shouldn't be limited to holidays or milestones and it shouldn't be constrained to the tangible. If we give love often and sincerely, then token gestures of appreciation on these days should show that we still remember and appreciate. The money we spend on these small presents will yield much more.