I saw something on the news about how more young people are growing up without knowing about giri-choco—Valentine’s chocolates given out of obligation.
They were like, “Giri-choco? What’s that?”
I guess that’s what happens when people spend more time at home.
That said, there was also news saying this year’s chocolate market had returned to pre-COVID levels, so since the generation that doesn’t know about giri-choco only spans about three years, maybe it won’t affect sales until they start working?
It’s all a bit confusing.
They also showed women buying chocolates as a personal treat for themselves, so I guess there are all kinds of trends.
> Do I have to give my papa a Valentine’s chocolate???
If that’s how you feel, then that would be what people call giri-choco. You don’t absolutely have to give him one, but if you don’t, things might become a little awkward—that’s about the extent of it.
It may be similar to asking, “If my papa invites me on a date, am I not allowed to turn him down?”
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I get the feeling that you already understand that giving him chocolate isn’t an obligation—you’re more wondering, “What’s with men who expect chocolate through papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan)? Isn’t that kind of creepy? lol”
I hope you meet someone you genuinely fall for as a person—someone who makes you naturally want to give him chocolate.
That might be asking a lot, though...
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Give it to whoever you want to give it to, and don’t give it to anyone you don’t want to.
I’d already made my reservations by the end of January. Of course, I’m giving them to my papa (a male supporter), as well as the nail technician and stylist who usually take care of me. It was fun choosing them♪
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You don’t necessarily have to give him anything.
If I were seeing him sometime in February, I’d probably give him some Valentine’s chocolate. That said, I usually bring him a small gift whenever we meet, so I doubt it would feel particularly special…
I give him little gifts as a way of showing my appreciation, since I can’t really repay him in any other way. But that’s entirely my choice—it’s not an obligation or anything. If you want to give him something, go ahead, but I don’t think you need to force yourself to.
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There wasn’t any chocolate hanging by the back entrance of the office this year.
One meeting, one time. Forgetting is the greatest gift.
I’ll keep only my gratitude and erase every other feeling from my memory.
It isn’t lingering attachment, but zanshin—the feeling that remains afterward. I know that’s just sophistry, but I deliberately choose not to face what I truly feel deep down.
P.S.
When I came to the office this morning, there was a small bag of chocolates hanging in the same place as last year. A message was attached:
“I deleted KakaoTalk, so I can’t contact you anymore, but please accept these chocolates instead, as a way of letting you know I’m doing well.”
I want her to be happy.
But if you ask whether I could call her back and propose marriage, I haven’t reached that point.
And if that’s the case, then isn’t this feeling of “I want her to be happy” just hypocrisy, fool’s gold, and a façade meant to protect myself?
That’s always where my thoughts come to a stop.
And then another year passes, and I grow another year older.
How many times have I thought, “We can start over. It’s not too late”?
What a pitiful life I’m living.
I love her. That much is certain.
I want to hold her again. I want to make her happy.
If there were ever a situation where my death could save her, I’d gladly give my life.
What a painfully bittersweet chocolate this is.
I’m sad.
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