Once again love was in the air as valentine's day made it’s way onto our calendars (and bank statements) this year. The quintessential day of love, Valentine's day is a day for sweethearts and lovers alike to celebrate what they have together or what could be… or so I thought. You see Valentine's day is relevant to those in relationships just as much as those that are not. Having spent many V day’s single myself I know the amount of pressure that comes with the occasion. Suddenly everything around you is about love and being loved by someone. Flowers and chocolates are passed around so much you start to wonder if you’re in a less twisted version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and pictures of cupid seem to be in circulation 24/7. It’s a big day. There’s couples workshops, dinners, cruises, art expos, etc etc all in full effect. And while to some it’s very inspiring and beautiful
on the backhand there lies bitterness and resentment.
Why? You ask, because to many it can feel like including one group and excluding the other. For years I felt like valentine's day was a bother, a useless, attention seeking holiday that’s only real purpose was to sell heart shaped items and hallmark cards that sang “I love you” when you opened them. Now I think that I was sadly mistaken. It is true that valentine's day is a holiday that sells but in terms of what it’s supposed to mean… well that’s up to you. You ultimately decide how important the holiday is to you and you also decide who (if any) you want to be your valentine. Keep in mind that a “Valentine” is a very general term and can be applied to just about anyone not just your soulmate.
Plenty of people receive flowers and cards from those they share no romantic connection with but consider great friends and individuals. In fact every year until my freshman year of college I would receive a singular rose from my father which to some would seem “corny” or “cheesy” but to me was a nice reminder that he cared for me. Small acts denote love not one day with a huge gift wrapped in a bow which is why I see valentine's day more as a nice gesture but not an ultimate display of love. This year I welcome valentine's day with open arms because I have so many reasons to love and so many people to share that love with. I am not threatened by the occasion because I have a grasp on what it means to me and don’t feel like I must put on some sort of bitter performance.
All “anti valentine's day” parties, outings, pub crawls, and however else people deflect the holiday will be avoided and instead the message of spreading around what love one has will be shared. Half the energy spent hating valentine's day can be spent loving, so choose love.
