Valentines Day: For All the Loves
Each year, February 14th is distinguished as a day of romance. By late January or early February, very store seems to have shelves stocked with heart-adorned paraphernalia and explosions of red and pink gifts lining the aisles. Advertisements on every form of media display couples bursting with happiness after buying a certain product for Valentine’s Day. We all know that “every kiss begins with Kay'' and that an anonymous “he” went to Jared, because the images of rings and picture-perfect romance have been commercialized since we were in diapers. And it certainly is a wonderful thing when someone can have a happy, healthy romance with another person! However, it is also worth noting that there are so many different kinds of love besides the romantic kind, and there is no one size fits all approach to love.
Love is visible in a variety of ways. The heartwarming experience of a mother holding her newborn baby. Two siblings sharing a loving hug. Best friends laughing together until they can’t breathe. Cuddling your dog or cat on the couch. The list goes on and on. Love is so much more than just what we see in the advertisements in February. It is important to remember that spending a day with family and/or friends whom you can share a strong platonic love with is just as meaningful as the love portrayed in the media. You may find yourself with a significant other, a friend, your family, or a pet on February 14th, but no matter who you spend time with, the bond you share is more important than any holiday! Meaningful relationships with family and friends are equally, or perhaps even more, important as romantic love is.
While bonds with other people are important, there is also nothing wrong with taking time for yourself. We all experience stressful situations and many of us struggle to maintain a positive view of ourselves during this time of the year. Sometimes we struggle to give our own wellbeing any thought at all with daily life being filled with such stressors as a pandemic and the rigor of academia. Taking time to do something you enjoy, whether that’s a sport, something creative, or simply watching a movie, can provide a much needed break and quality time to yourself! In addition to platonic love, the happiness a person has by themself is often overlooked during the season of flowers and chocolates. No matter who you are, being happy with yourself as you are is a valid and meaningful way to spend a holiday that is all about love.
Overall, the way you spend Valentine’s Day doesn’t matter. What matters is the love and happiness you experience, no matter who that’s with or how it’s expressed! Furthermore, the bonds you share with your loved ones are important every day, not just on February 14th. Love can be expressed at any and all times of the year, and it shouldn’t be confined to a single day.