What Might Valentine’s Day Look Like in The Future?

Scenario A

February 14, 2070 8:54 am

Dear Diary, 

It has been nearly fifty years since my last entry. I only just rediscovered this diary, hidden away in a box of my old belongings. It is strange to think that I used to keep an actual diary. Nowadays, paper has become obsolete and everything is recorded digitally. This probably wouldn't be all too surprising to the past me. Although, much more has changed. I wonder if the past me could have ever imagined a future like this?

Today, I relocated to Northeast City #18. With a population of 11.7 million, this is one of the smaller climate controlled cities established inland, previously referred to as Worcester, Massachusetts. It is like living in a snowglobe, except there is never snow or any other weather. Rather, tall lifeless buildings line the narrow streets, filled with walkers and bikers. Ever since fossil fuels ran out nearly 10 years ago, alternative cars have been exorbitantly priced.

From my small apartment on the 30th floor of residential building #4, I see only the tinted windows of the residential building across the street. To maximize space, wildlife is confined to agriculture and livestock cultivation sectors of the city. I truly miss the days of having a pet rabbit. Virtual pets just aren’t the same. Naturescapes have been painted on some exterior walls, however, this has done little to lift morale. Instead the artwork serves as a reminder of the world we so carelessly destroyed. I retired 11 years ago, as Director as Environmental Conservation in New England, after all my effort failed to shift the region to a more sustainable future. I have lost all hope for humanity.

I wish I could have remained in my quaint little house on the hill. However, it is no longer safe to remain outside of the domed cities. My garden, which I attentively cared for the past 14 years, was destroyed by the increasingly severe and unpredictable weather. I typically harvest 40 potatoes, but this year there were only 3 and all of my tomato plants withered. I have never been a big fan of city life however, at least food and water rations are supplied. 

I’m all alone. My brother, and his family, live in West City #57. He is designing rockets to aid in the  colonization of Mars. I have not seen him face to face in years, long distance travel is far too expensive and dangerous. Ohh, I almost forgot. It has been years since I last remembered… 

Happy Valentine's Day. 

Scenario B 

February 14, 2070 6:32 pm

Dear Diary, 

It has been nearly fifty years since my last entry. I only just rediscovered this diary, hidden away in a box of my old belongings. It is strange to think that I used to keep an actual diary. Nowadays, paper has become obsolete and everything is recorded digitally. This probably wouldn't be all too surprising to the past me. Although, much more has changed. I wonder if the past me could have ever imagined a future like this?

Today is Valentines’ Day. One of my favorite “non-holidays,” as declared by my father long ago. February 14th continues to remind me to be thankful for my family and friends. 

For many, this day was once filled with over-the-top arrangements of red roses, enormous teddy bears, assortments of chocolates and an $8.00 piece of decorated paper. Some would say that the Hallmark Corporation was the mastermind behind convincing people to spend large sums of money to prove admiration. By the time I was 18, everything from personalized soaps to a new car was deemed an appropriate gift. 

Now, 50 years later, Valentine’s Day is very different. The messaging is somewhat the same, however, a shift away from commercialism has changed traditions. Digital cards, social media messages and Facetime have completely replaced Hallmark cards. I remember walking the long isles of stacked gift cards with brightly colored images and matching envelopes. A surge in technology completely erased those by 2030. In the following years, the US Postal Service became obsolete and convenience stores disappeared. Basic household items are shipped directly to my home via Amazon’s solar powered drone fleet. Fossil fuels were banned in 2041.

There is also a permanent ban on purchasing roses by the dozen and those large heart shaped boxes are a distant memory. Hologram flowers are the new craze! Infact, all flowers are now protected and many species have been preserved in botanical gardens, which welcome visitors. If people want fresh cut flowers they must grow their own. Farming resources are prioritized to those who grow food sustainably. 

Some traditions have remained the same. In just a few moments, my friends and family will arrive to cook a meal together and play board games. In many ways, I do not miss the pressure to purchase gifts and chocolates. To be honest, preparations for family gatherings have changed slightly. 

Grocery stores are a thing of the past. Recent sustainability efforts have proven somewhat successful however, food supplies are still compromised due to overpopulation. In the last 15 years, local communities have started to participate in the Home Grown Initiative pioneered by the company I recently retired from. Ever since education transitioned to virtual classrooms in 2034, school houses have been converted into sustainable hydroponic farms to provide a local food source to the community. Grocery stores have transformed into climate controlled growing environments to allow for the cultivation of food from different biomes. Upon ordering our ingredients, fruits and vegetables are freshly picked and delivered to your house from the closest production center. 

My brother has arrived, I must go… 

Happy Valentine’s Day!