Valentine’s Day is often remarked as a hallmark holiday, one merely created for an influx of flowers, chocolates, and card sales. It is disregarded as a commercialized holiday, one which only puts pressure on couples and makes single people feel lonelier. Over time, Valentine’s Day has become a popular day to hate on. Now, it’s a day designated for mocking the couples who post on Instagram and sharing meme Valentine’s cards.
In spite of this, I have always loved Valentine’s Day. It should be noted that my first Valentine’s Day with a significant other only happened in 2020 (so this article is not completely biased), and yet, I grew up looking forward to and actually enjoying February 14th each year. I don’t think it even needs to be said, but for the sake of understanding where I’m coming from, I am such a hopeless romantic. Rom-coms, Instagrams dedicated entirely to quotes, and Taylor Swift playing at full volume: those are all a part of me. I love love, in all of its forms.
And I think that, at the end of the day, that’s what Valentine’s Day is. And if it’s not, then that’s what it should be known for: a day dedicated to all kinds of love. I always try to call my mom and text my friends, to tell them how much I love them. After all, they are the ones who shaped how I view love, and how I accept it and give it in return.
Every year, I also try to treat myself. One year I had a rom-com movie marathon with my best friend, finished with Love, Simon. Another year, I bought myself my favorite coffee and a chocolate chip muffin — the secret combination to the perfect start to the day. This year, I think I am going to spend a good deal of it getting ready — putting on my favorite makeup and dress to make myself feel good and blasting Taylor Swift’s newly released re-recorded “Love Story.” Self-care isn’t quite self-care without at least one dance party alone in your room.
Though I have spent the majority of my Valentine’s Days without a S/O, I have still loved it, because I have seen it as an opportunity to embrace all forms of love. Even during this pandemic, you can still take the opportunity to treat yourself and to remind the people that you love of your love for them.
I hope that, in future years, Valentine’s Day is viewed as a day to foster the love you have, and that it is embraced as more of an all-inclusive holiday for everyone to enjoy.
All the different types of love are worthy of appreciation, and I think it would be beautiful if Valentine’s Day were marketed more in that regard. After all, we are so lucky to live in a world where we get an entire day to celebrate love.
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