There are two types of people in the world: those who celebrate Valentine’s Day and those who don’t. Whichever option you choose, there’s always backlash. You’re either a hopeless romantic that feeds into the commercial created holiday or you’re bitter and single and you don’t want anyone else to rub in their happiness.
The reason that I celebrate Valentine’s Day is very simple: I think that there should be a day set aside in the year that people take the time to celebrate their loved ones. Not just boyfriends or girlfriends either. Although that usually is the main focus of Valentine’s Day, people should show all their loved ones appreciation. Even though loved ones should be appreciated every day, sometimes we forget to make the time and the effort to show appreciation to them. It’s also an opportunity to do something a little extra special for them.
Also, we need to lower our expectations for Valentine’s Day. I know that we are conditioned by television shows and movies to think that Valentine’s Day must be breaking the bank to show your appreciation. The value of the gifts shouldn’t be measured by how much you spent but by how much thought you put into it. Last year, my boyfriend and I were in a long-distance relationship. It was tough on me so for Valentine’s Day, he sent me bags of flour with a note that said, “I bought you flours”. To some people this would probably mean that my boyfriend was being cheap and lazy. To me however, it was the best gift I could have received from him. Seeing a package from him made me so happy, then seeing the bags of flour with the note made me laugh. He knew that I was having a rough time, so he did whatever he could to make me laugh. I would rather have a boyfriend that will do anything to make me laugh than one who spends an enormous amount on gifts and treats for Valentine’s Day.
Another great thing about Valentine’s Day is the unofficial holiday Galentine’s Day, which is celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day. This unofficial holiday is so important because it gives us the opportunity to leave our significant others at home while we spend time with our friends and appreciate them. Chances are, they were there for you before your significant other was and they’ll be there if your significant other leaves. Good friends are so hard to find, so it is so important to set time aside on Galentine’s Day to spend time with them and appreciate them for all that they do.
When I was younger, Valentine’s Day was always one of my favorite holidays. Even when I wasn’t in a relationship, my mom would always be my Valentine. She would pick up pink and red colored baskets and fill them with goodies and Valentine’s Day themed socks. Even though she was a single mom raising three kids on one income, she always made sure that on Valentine’s Day that my siblings and I felt loved. When I got my first job, I made sure to return the favor to her every year. Even though I don’t have much to offer now, I can’t imagine not showing her some form of appreciation on Valentine’s Day. Some people aren’t lucky enough to have healthy relationships with their parents. If you do, it’s so important to be grateful and to show your parents how much you appreciate what they do for you. For me, my mom is a super hero. I believe she deserves to be celebrated on her birthday, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
