To all the single people: Valentine’s Day is coming up and the dreaded worry of meeting societal expectations can make us feel extra lonely. Trust me, there is absolutely nothing wrong about being by yourself. Not everyone who has a partner lives a more fulfilling life than everyone who is single, and vice versa. It is only a matter of mindset. Will you allow yourself to spend this day in a way that will bring you down or will you make it one hell of day? You can celebrate Valentine’s Day with an act of ultimate self love and treat yourself. You can dress as you please and take yourself out. Valentine’s Day is a day of love and that itself would not possible if you don’t love yourself first. Perhaps you could spend the day with a close friend and appreciate the friendship. Maybe this year you could cherish Valentine’s with your mother or father and ask them about the first time they fell in love. There are countless possibilities and it is up to you to change how you experience Valentine’s Day. Don’t be brought down by a holiday created by capitalistic CEOs whose products of roses, chocolates, and giant teddy bears serve their interests more than yours.
If Valentine’s Day is a noteworthy celebration or milestone for your relationship, let your significant other know. It’s rather unhelpful to tell your partner that you don’t need a date or they don’t need to make a fuss of the holiday when in the end, you’ll be disappointed or upset that they didn’t get you something. These mind games aren’t healthy. So do yourself a favor and communicate with your partner. There is no shame in being happy about receiving gifts or making the most of Valentine’s Day, but be honest and speak your mind. Life is too short to wait for your significant other to “get the hint.” Life is too short to not be real about your wants, especially with someone you love.
I personally treat Valentine’s Day like any other day, but it’d be cool too if I had a significant other to give some extra love to on this “special” day. There are so many ways to show love beyond the consumeristic traditions. You can express your feelings without spending money. The quality of a relationship is not measured by the size of a teddy bear, the number of roses, nor the price of a box of chocolates. I truly believe that this day, like any other day, should be about spreading love and good vibes on this blue and green planet, appreciating what and who we are blessed with to have in our lives, and celebrating that with someone we love. No matter who you will be with or what this day entails for you, know that you are loved.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
