One of the most love-filled days of the year is upon us and people have already taken to the internet to hate on the “dreaded” holiday happening on Feb. 14
Call me a hopeless romantic or a lover of this month – it just so happens to also be my birth month – but the day of celebrating love should not be the punching bag of holidays. I am here to offer a rose-colored list of why you SHOULDN’T hate Valentine’s day.
- Romantic love doesn’t have to be the only love celebrated
Valentine’s Day, by textbook definition, is a holiday observed to celebrate love. This does not exclusively pertain to romantic relationships, though. Romantic love is important and all – that is if you are lucky enough to have a special someone when this day arrives – but there’s also room to celebrate the love you share for your family & platonic relationships. Have a Galentine’s day instead with your best friend(s), send a card and a tiny teddy bear to your parents, or give your pets some heart-shaped treats. Spend time spreading all types of love instead of just hating romance.
- It’s an excuse to eat plenty of chocolate and candy
Everyone believes that Halloween is the big holiday to be unhealthy and chow down on some sweet, sugary candy. But Valentine’s Day gives it a run for its money. Stepping into any Walmart or local store will guarantee a sale on some type of sweet treat in the next couple of weeks. So, cash in on the Valentine’s Day chocolatey goodness and you can save your wallet from the typical prices. Chocolate-covered strawberries are my go-to!
- The opportunity to give and receive cute gifts
Although the giving season technically ends with the new year, Valentine’s Day is an excuse to spread some joy with a heart-shaped gift (both physically and emotionally). Everybody loves a good gift, no matter how big or small. There are so many options, like a teddy bear, a box of chocolate or a silly gag gift to a mutual friend that “hates” the holiday as much as you do. Showing appreciation in gift form is always a good way to spread joy, and who knows, maybe you’ll receive something in return.
- Love comes and goes when it’s supposed to. Just because you don’t have a romantic partner now doesn’t mean you won’t forever
You might harbor most of your hate for this holiday because of something you think you “lack.” Whether it is the fact that you might not have someone to be romantic with, you’re in a “situationship,” or maybe it’s long distance, not being able to be with someone romantically THIS Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you won’t have one in the future. Love comes exactly when it’s supposed to however frustrating that might be. It doesn’t mean you are lacking as a person nor does it mean you should spend the day of love loathing all things romance. There’s a lot of societal pressure on Valentine’s Day, but in reality, it’s a silly little holiday people use to spread love! Maybe this year you can spread love to your family, pets or friends instead of focusing on the romantic side that some people tend to shove down people’s throats.
- You have an excuse to dress up
With all of the fun festivities throughout the love-filled holiday, you have all the reason to dress in your cutest red and pink fits. So, throw on that sweater, cardigan, dress, or whatever makes you feel your best, and walk around campus with a nice playlist playing through your headphones. And if you dress up, take yourself on a nice date to show off the outfit. I suggest getting some well-deserved takeout or grabbing a sweet treat for your sweet self.
- Heart-shaped things are cute
Heart-shaped things have taken over the shelves and I think you should take advantage of that fact. Conversation hearts, heart-shaped cookies, heart-shaped bowls and more can add some pizzazz to your college apartment or dorm. The opportunities are endless, so enjoy the surprisingly adorable heart-shaped objects the companies come up with every year.
- If you still hate Valentine’s Day, that’s okay
To my anti-Valentine’s reader, I hope your day is filled with all the anti-love playlists you can find. Just try not to block all your coupled friends on social media. However, if you ever change your mind on the matter, Valentine’s Day and all its rose-colored qualities will welcome you with open arms.