I used to think I was a hopeless romantic, but turns out, most love is superficial. Not to say that I’m not all for love, I just don’t think it’s the most important thing in the world, nor do I think romantic love is the be-all-end-all of eternity.
And, girls and gays, Valentine’s day is the EPITOME of superficial relationships. I’m sure there are some people who would disagree, but hear me out:
Celebrating love? Absolutely beautiful. However, why do you need a greeting card company to force you to love and spoil your significant other? Even more so, why are material objects pushed as “the perfect gift?” Buy me flowers because you saw a Chrysanthemum and thought of me, not because you forgot and saw them on sale at the store.
“Jericha, you’re just bitter because you’re alone.” WRONG. I’ve been in a committed relationship for the last six “days of love.” Valentine’s day can be extremely lonely. If all of your friends are in committed relationships (and actually celebrate this shit), what do you do?
Moreover, how do you navigate a day of happiness if you’re grieving the loss of a loved one?
For me, Valentine’s day has always been about cultivating deeper relationships with my favorite people. My mom got me a card every year and bought me my favorite candies, which was extremely exciting because I lived in a home without candy. We would go out and talk about everything.
It’s lonely to watch everyone around you be happy. Usually, I have some sort of insight, but for this, I genuinely don’t have any advice. I’m fumbling along, trying to remember my past Valentine’s day traditions, but not lingering too long in the past and getting stuck in the dark place.
To everyone making plans, love each other and love yourself, but more importantly, check on your loved ones.
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