Holidays can bring up a lot of stress, because we always want to share them with the people we love and celebrate the relationships we’re lucky to have. Valentine’s Day is no different, except that we celebrate a different type of relationship— one that not everyone has. The cold and the love in the air often makes people sad to be alone on Valentine’s Day, but this year, I’m happy to enjoy February 14th by myself. I’m here to tell you why, although it’s okay to want a partner, it’s also okay to embrace solitude.
First of all, for those in relationships, Valentine’s Day is not all it’s hyped up to be. For years I’ve watched my friends be crushed by the disappointment of Valentine’s Day. People in perfectly happy relationships hype up one day for weeks, which leaves so much room to be let down. Girls, specifically, often read into Valentine’s Day too much by comparing their relationship to those around them. On top of all of that there’s the stress of what to get your special someone and god forbid it’s “more” than what they got you, because maybe that means that they don’t love you as much as you love them. Valentine’s day can mean a lot if it’s done well, but the stress of one February day can be extreme. I’m happy to sit all that stress out.
I also think for those in relationships, it’s important to recognize that you should find someone who treats you amazing everyday. There are times and places where we can show each other just how much we care, but it’s okay to not put pressure on Valentine’s Day. Everyday is a good day to show your partner love because you deserve to feel like the only girl in the world every day.
It’s important to recognize that it’s okay to be alone. College is one of the best times to be single and discover things that you like, alone. After being in a relationship for two years, I’ve been learning how empowering it can be to be single. My relationships with friends and siblings are stronger than they’ve ever been because of all the time I have to give to people I care about. There is also an aspect of freedom in getting to go out as late as you want and dance the night way without a care in the world that you don’t get when you’re tied down. Overall, it’s important to recognize that being single is not a negative if you look at it from the right viewpoint.
No matter your relationship status this Valentine’s Day, the day will come and go. It’s okay not to stress about it and even more okay to embrace being alone. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, and we all have people who love us, even if the relationship is not romantic. I’m excited to spend Friday the 14th with my friends and enjoy being single with the people I love.