In recent months, the American media has covered numerous stories centering on the United States' alleged "war on Christmas," featuring issues such as the Starbuck's red cup and an apparent lack of acknowledgment of the mega-holiday. While Valentine's Day isn't quite on the same level as Christmas in the eyes of the general public, I am a strong believer that there is most definitely a war going on against Feb.14.
Weeks before Valentine's Day commences, social media is a firestorm of bitter status updates from those who despise the holiday. Single individuals take to the internet to criticize the "commercialization of love," and condescendingly reflect upon those happy couples who engage in holiday festivities. To me, these types of people are the absolute worst.
Don't get me wrong, after spending 99 percent of my 19 years of life single on Valentine's Day, I fully understand the urge to groan upon suffering through the constant assault of lingerie advertisements, drugstore teddy bears, and artificially-flavored chocolate samplers at every public venue; and while it sucks to bear witness to functional couples planning overpriced dinner dates and forced movie nights, Valentine's Day is being misconstrued as a holiday that is strictly a celebration of one kind of love.
Yes, the commercialization of a holiday rooted in religion can have a tendency to seem exploitive, however, why not use this opportunity to celebrate your platonic relationships as well as romantic ones?
For those who are single on Valentine's Day, or even those who are not, Feb. 14 provides an excellent opportunity to reflect upon the love shared between friends, family members, and pets. Instead of dwelling in a bitter sea of loneliness, make an effort to express thanks to those members of your life who you care deeply for and enrich your everyday experiences. This way of thinking takes a potentially seclusive situation and transforms it into a beautiful one.
So, instead of further feeding into the slightly darker side of the holiday that fuels its widespread popularity, capitalize on its meaningful benefits, and create everlasting memories.
