Valentine's day celebrations
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Valentine's Day Shouldn't Be The Only Day You Celebrate Love

Love, in any form, should be celebrated every single day.

182
Shelby Arnett
Shelby Arnett

Some people say Valentine's Day is overrated. The heart-shaped chocolates, bouquets of roses, and giant teddy bears just add to the commercialization of the holiday, which only makes those who are single even angrier about February 14th. Valentine's Day has gradually gained the stereotype that only couples in perfectly romantic relationships can celebrate and that it must be filled with gifts, surprises, and an overly expensive dinner. Over time, it has gotten to the point that our generation believes Valentine's Day is the only day that is the most important time to celebrate love.

We should be celebrating love every day, not just on Valentine's Day.

Whether you're celebrating the love of your family, your friendships, or your romantic relationship, Valentine's Day is not the only day to show someone you love them. Be mindful of the little things in life. Show someone you care about them in a way other than the presents everyone else is buying. I believe it is much more meaningful to surprise your mom with a handwritten note, buy a movie ticket for your best friend, or send your boyfriend Insomnia Cookies on any given day when it is unexpected.

The receiver on the other side will be appreciative despite the circumstances, but that appreciation will only build when it catches him or her off guard.

Oftentimes we get caught up in each holiday and forget what the true meaning is. Valentine's Day has transformed into a competition. On social media, we see photos and Snapchat stories of someone's Valentine's Day plans or lack thereof. Those who are independent feel lonely, and those who are in committed relationships feel as if they must please their significant other by planning out the smallest details of one day.

This should not be the norm, especially when it comes to love.

My parents repeated this statement to me as I grew up. They were the embodiment of love to me, as they did not change their actions or attitudes just because of a holiday; they simply remained the same. They kissed each other goodbye before work, and they always welcomed each other with a hug upon arriving home. Because of my mom and dad, I discovered that love works all the time if you put the effort in. It is spontaneous on the most normal of days, and it does not falter. It is constant.

Today, I feel blessed to have found someone who has influenced me to become a better version of myself each day. I was not always in such a positive situation, however. In past years, I never celebrated Valentine's Day. Instead, I invited my girlfriends over, ordered a pizza, and ate tons of desserts made by my gracious parents while rocking out to Just Dance with pajamas on. Rather than moping about how we did not have a special someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with that year, we celebrated one another. We celebrated our friendship, food, and music.

Most importantly, we celebrated our wonderful lives together.

Though this year I have someone to celebrate the upcoming holiday with, we decided to refrain from changing our normal routine and treat February 14th as another day. Instead, we focus on bettering each other's lives when the other person least expects it. In this way, I remind myself that it is the average day that can ensure someone's love for you or your love for them. We are all capable of love, so it is important that we spread it throughout our world and community. As the weather gets cold and life gets tougher, love can provide some warmth to those who need it the most.

Love your friends, your family, and love yourself. You are never alone, even when you feel like it on one day in February. Take it upon yourself to enjoy and embrace those you love every day so that we can create a happier world filled with compassion, love, and care.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57651
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37155
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958868
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191677
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments