Based off of previous articles that I've written, I know what some of you are probably thinking as soon as you read the title for this article: "Well, of course she says not to hate Valentine's Day, she's in a relationship, so it's different for her." And yes, while being in a relationship is different than being single, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be an awful and dreaded holiday if you're still waiting for your prince charming! And even if you are not currently in a relationship, I am sure that there is someone or multiple people who you say that you love, and in my book love is love is love, and whether it be romantic or platonic, we can all recognize love in some form in our lives. Although Valentine's Day is usually celebrated on a romantic basis, I wanted to make a list of all of the great things about love, and why these things should be celebrated on a daily basis regardless of whether or not there is a holiday devoted to this or not.
1. Love breeds hope.
I remember as a little girl growing up and watching the way that my parents loved one another. Whenever anyone asked me about what I thought of love or relationships, I always had the best example that I could ask for in the relationship that my parents grew through the years. Their relationship always gave me hope for what I would have one day. Now every Valentine's Day that I get to spend with my boyfriend now, and every day in general, reminds me of the love that was so inspirational in what I have now.
2. Love heals.
I have been through my fair share of heartache in my life. Boys disappoint, but you know what? Boys are human. We are all human, and we will make mistakes and hurt others that we care about. However, although the hurt that comes from a broken heart, especially over a relationship that ends, can seem unending, when a new love comes into your life, it heals all of the brokenness and cleans out the wounds that were left behind in the aftermath of the last relationship. This makes all of the Valentine's Days to come that much better, knowing the best days are ahead with a better person.
3. Love is fun.
My favorite type of love actually isn't romantic at all. The most fun that I have are nights out at dinner and the movies and people watching with my girlfriends. Nothing can replace a night full of laughter and friendships that will last a lifetime. In true friendships, there is always fun to be had because no matter what, you love your friends and enjoy every second that you get to spend with them. And Valentine's Day gives you the perfect opportunity to celebrate your friends with galentine's fun that's just as special as Valentine's with a boy.
4. Love is encouraging.
When you have a rough day, those who truly love you and care about you will work to keep you feeling encouraged and like you can take on the world because they love you and completely believe in you! Valentine's Day gives the perfect excuse to buy cute little cards to fill up with encouraging notes to hand out to your friends, especially since in college, midterms season is upon us.
5. Love is loving yourself!
On Valentine's Day, or any day, you should love and value yourself! In a world where our appearance is seen as the determining factor of who we are as a person, and material possessions outweigh things of eternal value, loving yourself can be harder to do than you think. However, take the time on Valentine's to not only spend quality time with those you love, but also loving yourself. Treat yourself to some chocolate and good food -- you deserve it!
