Not strange at all. My wife gets mad at me if I pay more than a 50% discount off the price of Easter candy. She also gets mad at me if I don't buy her some -- after Easter.
True story: if you were an American school kid anytime between about 1985 and the present you were probably required to make and distribute valentines cards to your entire class every year in elementary school. Supermarkets and drug stores sell packs of kid-friendly often character themed valentines cards designed especially for school kids sometimes with candy attached. (All the rich/cool kids always had boxes of conversation hearts or lollipops taped to their valentines.) I remember the chore of having to write every kid in my class’s name on a tiny Scooby Doo or Tweety Bird valentine. But luckily since Valentine’s Day isn’t considered a religious holiday we were allowed to have a party at school. And since I was a kid in the 90’s we would have ice cream sundae parties and they were fantastic. Get a bunch of kids hyped on sugar and then make them say they love all their classmates. It’s very American.
I had no idea about dating at the turn of last century being considered sketchy, so thank you for introducing us to that, as for Sugar Daddies and Sugar Babies, there used to be, still may be, candy called by those names and we'd give them or get them sometimes from classmates on Valentine's day. As for Valentine's day, someone else might have mentioned it, so forgive me if I'm repeating, but when I was going to school giving valentine's to classmates was NOT an option it was mandatory. We were expected to buy and fill out little Valentine's cards for every person in our class and put them in little envelopes and take them to school where we would put them in the little boxes we had made, in school, the previous week. It was supposed to be a fun thing and I guess it was, but they started the concept of giving cards and gifts on Valentine's day in Kindergarten.
6:00 Actually, the Li'l Abner story of Sadie Hawkins was much more twisted (as seen from today's perspective). Sadie was a less-than-attractive unmarried woman in her mid-30s, so her father arranged a race between all the unmarried men in town. The loser had to marry his daughter. 🤦♂️ The other "spinsters" in the community thought this was a great idea, so they made the race a mandatory (annual?) tradition where, if a woman could catch a man and drag him home, he would be required (by the law of their community) to marry her.
Diane Jennings Did you see the weird dark shadow on the right along the wall at 2:50-2:58? Curious if it’s a shadow from you or your pup...? I literally watched that exact spot throughout the ENTIRE video and it NEVER happens again.... any ideas?
*SparkleFart* 626 hmmmm... the sceptic in me says it was chewie crossing behind me but the spooopy part would point out that he would surely be visible then before or after and I thought he was sitting beside me...
Diane Jennings Okay so I figured it out after rewatching MULTIPLE times! At about 2:56 you can BARELY see chewy under your arm (by the pillows) sniffing the bed... you can see a little fur poking out so look close! I am assuming his tail caused the shadow. I’m still wondering how he could’ve cast that big of a shadow from behind you though... unless you have a light that is at a angle...? Sorry if I spooked you! I don’t think anyone wants to have a random shadow that doesn’t make sense pointed out to them! Especially in their room! But I believe I found the culprit so no need to start burning sage and saying prayers all over the house! Lol love your channel! Oh and hello from Montana (U.S.A)! If you are willing to and/or want to you should google Big Sky Montana! I don’t think you’ll regret it! Montana is so beautiful it can be breathtaking! Even in the winter with temps at -10°F to -20°F (-23°C to -29°C...) Much love to you and chewy! ❤️
“He loves me” “He loves me not” “He loves me” “He doesn’t exist” This not only saddens but amazes me. What is wrong with Irish lads?! Oh, and as always, make sure you subscribe and consider becoming a Patron - because that’s what all the cool people are doing (even the really old ones). - Bob
@@Anndelindevore , indeed! DJ = got a brain, ain't afraid to use it (among other things). Which means "the right one" better have the right sort of ego. All the pouty McHurtface peeps need not apply :)
My husband will still order my dinner from the waitstaff for me! I love it when he does this because it makes me feel special, like he hears me. It has nothing to do with not having my own voice, but more of he still listens to what I say I like. He makes me feel protected!
You kill me Diane. "He loves me. He loves me not. He doesn't exist". I think that average is skewed by older, wealthier Americans who buy expensive jewelry. As far as cards go, I prefer to write the love letter or note. Means more I'm sure and probably won't be thrown out like a store bought card a week later. Keep up the great work dearie and as always have a blessed day.
The best Valentines day gift I've got cost nothing. One year on Valentines day I was given a heart shaped rock that had "you rock my world" written on it with a marker. It was signed I love you April.
Nice job! Here in the rural US its still very common to do the "have 'er back by midnight, I'll still be cleaning this shotgun" deal. And btw, I think "he" is out there. With looks/personality/awesomeness like yours, it would be impossible for him to not be. Just hang in there;)
In primary school we had valentines parties and everyone made a mailbox out of a shoebox, and gave each other store bought valentines. The valentines came in a pack of 30 or so and had different cartoons or movie characters on them. The nicer ones came with pencils and lollipops to give to your classmates. You always picked the best cards for your friends and the not so cool cards for kids you didn't know well or didn't like. The key was that everyone had to give a card to everyone so no one felt left out.
I just found you while looking up videos for visiting Ireland. I don’t usually watch these types of videos but you are absolutely fascinating! I love it!
A story: When I was 54yrs old(a while ago) I asked a friend(27yrs old) to be my valentine for fun. She accepted.We had so much fun with this idea.We went to miniture golf,a movie,and finally to dinner at a nice restaurant.Yes we did a little hugging and kissing for effect.You should have seen the looks we received.I am not a dirty old man,but that day I sure was.WE had a blast. We are still good friends to this day..
Loved the video! As for the USA New Year's kiss, when I was in high school* I exchanged a New Year's kiss with an acquaintance who then disappeared from school the next week. I later learned she'd suffered a nervous breakdown within 24 hours of that kiss. My teenage angst being what it was, I felt horrible and feared I'd contributed to her condition. So much for a soulful New Year. *Electric guitars burned coal when I was in high school.
When I was in elementary school I got a cupcake from a secret admirer (another big valentine's thing) and since none of the other students got one... I got paranoid and hid it. She found it weeks later, cried, and didn't talk to me for weeks. 🥶 I'm not sure if it's the top but your eyes are particularly blue today Diane.
I have a love-hate relationship with Valentine's Day. I think it's cute for kids and for old people because it's adorable seeing them in the stores. However, as one of the many Americans who haven't received a single card, letter, candy, etc. since leaving elementary school, I kinda hate it. It's an annual reminder that we're single and that no one we fancy fancies us back. While some of us are bitter about being alone, we are genuinely happy for our friends and family who do have someone to spend the holiday with. And if we are asked by our less-tha-romantic friends to help, we're more than happy to do so, as we like seeing others being truly happy. (I've also never received a kiss on New Year's Eve).
My ancestors (think mid 1800s) were poor farmers in western Kentucky. Kentucky required a $150 marriage bond (which they did not have), so most of them took a ferry across the Ohio river to Shawneetown, Illinois. They had to stay in the state for a day, and could then get married. Quick honeymoon, and then back to the farm. I have known the phrase “crossing the river” since I was a kid. Shawneetown was the Vegas of its day!
You got it pretty straight for a general list my friend. The only thing I could add is how different customs can be of America. We are a huge Nation compared to Ireland. Many diverse people. I'm the West where I live. My daughter's ( I have Seven!) Didn't go anywhere with a boys unless he came to the door to pick her up. No puking up and honking his horn for her in my driveway! My girls used to tell the boys " I like bringing boys home to meet you just to watch them die inside " lol. ( My bark is worse than my bite lol) and I better know where they were at any point in the evening. If curfew was 10:00 pm you were late at 9:55pm. They all survived though. All married and with daughter's of their own 👍 Love you show. Sorry so long!
I had a rule for boys picking up my daughter...i you pull up and honk, you better be dropping something off because you sure as he'll ain't picking anyone up.
Also to add to what you said, growing up in America, every year in elementary school (at least 1st grade through 5th grade) on Valentine's Day we all gave everyone else in the classroom a Valentine's Day card (often with candy). =)
18 billion on Valentine's day, sounds about right. Flowers, chocolates, dinner at a nice restaurant that hike their prices for the event, maybe a show or concert, and God save you if you don't get her gift. As always, thanks for bringing us a laugh Diane.
We did Sadie Hawkins dance at my high School. Not only did the girl ask the boy to the dance (and if you didn’t have a date you couldn’t go) but when you entered the dance there was a teacher who “married” you for the duration of the dance and you even got a fake marriage certificate and cheap tin wedding rings.
Good video Diane! I always seem to learn something from them. I wonder ... if dating was so frowned upon once upon a time, how did marriages happen? Were they arranged by families as they still are in many cultures in the world? Some things have changed for the better but some have changed for the worse. Easy divorce isn't a positive. I recall a guy I used to work with who took a cynical view on marriage. He'd refer to a coworker's new spouse as a "future ex". As if it was a certainty. Sad honestly. Anyway I enjoyed the video!
Hi Diane! A new subscriber here :D I don't say much, but wanted to thank you for all you do with your videos; they're such FUN! I love the merch designs too. Did you draw the designs?
1. I think you nailed it, but I've never heard of a spinster's dance. 2. I'm with you, Diane. A man could never order for me. I am a very picky eater. 3. I agree with you that spending over $100 for Valentine's Day is crazy. I'd rather save that money and go on a vacation.
I think a lot of the "traditions" of Valentine's Day have been perpetuated by the companies that stand to make the most money off it, like Hallmark Cards, which is from my city, Kansas City, Missouri.
Jeff Foxworthy comments on this: "Like, up north, when guys fall in love, they think they have to buy candy and wine and roses... In the south, _we_ fall in love, we just _spray paint your name on an overpass!_ That's _true love_ there, boy."
Human inventiveness will find a way. My wife was an upholsterer and we both worked in a furniture factory. She made beds which folded up into a sofa, for use in recreational vehicles. Our first date occurred after she invited me to test out a "sofa bed" she had just completed. We're very happy still, after 43 years of marriage.
5:14 adding Diane has #7 on Rudolph Valentino's 10 attributes of the perfect woman - "an appreciation of good food". She definitely already has #3 - intelligence, #4 beauty, #5 a sense of humor and # 6 sincerity
It’s true about the pressure in the States that we put each other through for silliness. It’s to the point that I have more anxiety regarding Valentine’s Day than excitement because I have made it a staple of buying for my husband and my children. It was cute at first, but now I have 4 kids and the eldest is 19. When do I get to stop?! I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, but it’s become an expensive day so close after Christmas. I swear, I feel like I am literally buying presents for someone and for some holiday ALL YEAR LONG! It’s exhausting and expensive. It really starts to take the fun out of the holidays for mums. And what if my trying to show my family love, I’m really just turning them into materialistic arseholes with unrealistic expectations?! Sorry, I had a moment of existential panic there...please forgive my pottymouth 🤭☺️.
Haha, at my parents' place there is an old photo album that still holds my kindergarten Valentine's Day cards from classmates. And that's a pretty high average expenditure for this holiday - perhaps America needs a Penneys! :P
Children pack cards are frankly my FAVORITE things to get for Valentine’s Day. Forget flowers! Forget chocolates! GIMME THOSE TRANSFORMERS, WONDER WOMAN, STAR WARS POCKET CARDS!!! I’m a nerd
in my high school the cheer leading squad would sell coloured carnations as a fund raiser and deliver them to your boy/girl friend during class they sold red, yellow, and white ones for $1.00 ea.
Kids actually typically "make" cards in baby years or preschool but once they hit kindergarten their parents typically buy sets of cards for them to distribute to classmates so a good portion of that revenue comes from those as well!
I pass on Valentines Day in favor of better holidays such as St. Patrick's day...lol Also you are looking great and the cat ears just top it off. Thanks for the fun video :)
I haven’t heard of the first few traditions you mentioned and I’ve lived here all my life. But you got rolling and I recognized a bunch, phew. In my jr high (13years old stage) a girl in my class brought in teddy bears for 145 of her closest friends. 145 stuffed animals.
I think the average I spend on my hubs on v-day is somewhere between $20-$30. We don't like being around a ton of people, so I just enjoy making a special meal and desert to enjoy at home where we can be quiet and relaxed. Where we are in the US, it gets super crazy around v-day.....even fast food restaurants require a reservation to eat there on Valentine's (not all places, and not every year, but I remember hearing on the radio a few different years to be sure to make reservations even at fast food restaurants).
At 3 years old, in American pre-school we had to make Valentines cards for our classmates. Each child had a small brown paper bad taped to their desk as a letter box and the cards would be distribute by the kids and collected by each one before the end of the day. 3 year olds. Think about that.
Valentine’s Day is even more expensive if you have a family (in most cases).Kids will have school parties/church parties/group parties for any extra curricular activity and each one you must buy cards and treats for every person in the group. Then you must buy valentine’s gifts for your partner and your children and I know some people that will buy valentine’s gifts for teachers as well. Thanks to social media every holiday and event is becoming ridiculous with expectations and everyone trying to outdo the next person.
"Easy Divorce" is fairly "new" thing here. The first "no fault divorce laws" when into effect in 1970. Prior to that one spouse had to allege a particular reason for the divorce --even if they both wanted it. In the past, a spouse could fight a divorce, particular in states that recognized covenant marriages. A covenant marriage limited the qualifying conditions for divorce because it was essentially agreed upon prior to the marriage itself by the nature of the covenant.
The premise of Sadie Hawkin’s Day in Lil’ Abner was that it was a groom hunt. The bachelors would hide in the woods, while the single girls would chase them, and wrestle them to the ground. Then if the were successfully captured, they’d have to get married.
Again you taught me something, Ms. Diane. I always thought Valentine's Day was promoted by the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration in order to help stimulate the economy following the great depression. And apparently it does just that with all the flowers, dinners, cards, chocolates, drinks, etc. $18.2B, you say? SHEESH! Well, in any event, here's wishing you a happy Valentine's Day, Diane, and Editor Diane, and Chewie! We love you all! P.S. I hope SOMEBODY will be treating you special on Valentine's Day (BESIDES Chewie, I mean). You're so worth it.
They start having Valentine's day parties/card exchanges as early as elementary school, at least where I lived. We did it every year, where we'd have like some cookies or cupcakes that a parent volunteered to bring in and everyone would exchange cards, some had little candies taped to them and some didn't, and then have a little party. I don't recall ever doing it in middle school, and my high school they sold flowers you could get sent to someones class or a teddy bear or candy gram. I think they did carnations. It's neat but definitely overhyped.
Less than twenty US Dollars on my Partner for Valentines Day. One box of sugar free Chocolates and a card. Been with him for twenty plus years. No chocolate for our dog either, Zack gets a cookie and hugs.
I required any boy coming to take my daughter out to come to the door. She knew that she would not be allowed to go if they sat in the car and beeped. It is just respectful, shows the girl she is worth the effort to come to the door rather than her jumping at his call. I’m 60 now and still will not go to the mans car unless he comes to my door.
Valentine’s Day. Who would’ve guessed. My husband and I don’t don’t do anything for valentines because it’s so busy. I spent $2 on lollipops for my daughters class. Lol. That’s so crazy!
I thought your eyes and hair looked fine, but I did like the cat ears; loved the video as I learned something about my country this time and of course as always, you're terrific
Long ago when America was a frontier the distance between houses would be too far to go home at night. So when a boy and girl were courting, the girls mother would sew up the boy in a sheet and he would sleep in the girls bed. The father would then cut him out of the sheet in the morning. Some used a divider board down the length of the bed, but there must of been a bunch of wall jumpers when you consider the amount of births there are on record that came in less then 9 months after the marriage!
In some parts of early America it was tradition that gentlemen callers were required to carve wooden spoons , forks , and such to give to the lady's parents . This showed his skill at handworking and proof that his hands were busy doing something other than pawing the young lady . The lady being called upon might work at sewing , knitting , needlework , or some such in order to show her homemaker skills . In some places in early America there was a custom of " bundling " . The couple would sleep together in the same bed , but the gentleman would be sewn into a sack up to his neck . In the film The Patriot there was a scene wherein Heath Ledger slept the night bundled with his bride to be . In the 1950s there were school dances called Sock Hops . The students would dance on the wooden school gymnasium floor in their stockinged feet to Rock and Roll music . These Sock Hops were informal and performed in everyday clothing , unlike the formal Prom Dance . There was a hit song titled " Let's Go To The Hop " . In the 1950s there was a hit song titled " Wake Up Little Suzy " about a couple who fell asleep at a drive in theater and freaked out when they realized that they were late to get the lady home at a decent time . And ponder that one of the earliest Beatles hits was the innocent song " I Wanna Hold Your Hand " . Nowadays people hook up over a mobile phone app for one night stands , many guys consider sending rude pictures a pick up line , and twerking is a thing . I think our elder generations got it right in their ways of courting .
On Valentine's day all the children make a big evelope in class, and they put it on the front of their desks. They sell boxes of little Valentine's day card for children. These card have cartoons that say cute things like, " I heart you", or "be my Vanlentine". Children get up, and put the card in your envelope. Every child opens their cards and read what the cards say. If you are not liked, or if you are ugly, the nice things on the card are crossed out, and they write, "I hate you", or I hope you die". Funny, every child writes those nasty cards to the correct child. That's when those children learn everyone hates them, and their life is gooding to suck.
Valentine's day has always been a dark day for me considering that it's just a reminder that I dont really have the one thing I truely wish for some one who understands and has been in the same situation
Don't forget about Valentine's Day part 2 called Sweestest Day! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweetest_Day LITERALLY a day invented by card and candy companies. Traditionally for Sweestest Day, the women do things for the men like buy dinner, give cards/candy, etc. It's typically only celebrated in the Midwest though.
The mid to late ‘60’s changed the mating ritual in America. Females became much more independent. Dating became far less formal. Parental consent took a backseat. Woodstock happened! As far as Li’l Abner is concerned: As a child, I remember the Sunday paper had a colorful section, called the “Funny Papers”, or simply “The Funnies”. This was at least four pages of weekly comics. My first reading experiences involved perusing these colorful pages. Li’l Abner took place in a small backwoods village, called Dogpatch (Chewie, did you get that?). So, back then, it was common to suggest that someone who wasn’t very sophisticated, was from Dogpatch. A Hillbilly, that was. Okay, I’m spent. Have a good day, folks.
You did pronounce “Little Abner” correctly. My first teaching job was at a girls high school. Every year there was a Sadie Hawkins. I was amused by their nervousness. It flipped the norms and it was funny seeing them sweat trying to find a date...
Back in the 1980's it occurred to somebody in the Vatican that though millions of people were celebrating Saint Valentine's feast day and he was on the Church's list of saints nobody knew exactly who the hell he was. Vatican officials didn't have a clue. So, they researched Saint Valentine. They discovered that there is no record of his existance. The nonexistent saint was stricken from the list of saints.
