At the start of the new year, Meijer’s center aisles start to fill up with pink candies, heart-shaped balloons and bags full of chocolate. The shelves stuffed with teddy bears and love letters announce the upcoming holiday: Valentine’s Day.
In my opinion, Valentine’s Day is a very special holiday meant to push individuals to start spreading affection to those who deserve it most.
Senior Hope Flowers shares my positive mindset about Valentine’s Day and ultimately takes this day as a moment to appreciate everyone around her.
“Everyone gets to show their gratitude and love for one another, and you get to show others how much you care about them,” Flowers said. “Even though you can show someone how much you love them any day of the year, it is nice to have a specific day where you can be reminded to show it, because sometimes people forget how much they are loved when you don’t realize it.”
This day gives people an opportunity to share the appreciation towards their close relationships. Individuals can distribute their love every single day of the year, but showing their devotion on this specific day can truly display the level of significance that stands in their romantic relationship or friendship.
Many single individuals resent this holiday as they don’t have a special relationship to celebrate, but the stereotypical necessities to enjoy this holiday ruins the main point.
“It’s about reframing the idea that Valentine’s Day is [not just] couple love. I think just trying to connect with someone that you care about in any capacity, that could help create inclusivity,” English teacher Megan Porter said. “Valentine’s Day [is] sometimes used to target couples, so reframing that idea is important.”
The smallest gestures of hand-made gifts, detailed texts, love letters or dollar store gift baskets can mean the most on this special day. Cost efficient Valentine’s gifts can ultimately improve an important individual’s day overall. Acts of kindness and love can shed light upon the significance of the relationship but leaves a low effort responsibility to the affectionate contributor.
“The best thing you can do for someone depends on what their love language is,” Flowers said. “The most romantic thing someone could do on Valentine’s Day is to spend time with each other and plan a fun day together without interruptions.”
Couples or friends can also share this special day by going to the movies, visiting their favorite restaurant, hosting a game night, shopping at favorite stores or even simply spending the day in each other’s company.
However, the holiday isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The pressure of having someone to spend this day with can be overwhelming for singles and can be bitter for those who spend the day alone. However, no matter someone’s relationship status, individuals are still able to spend their day in any personal and special way.
“Treat yourself to something. get your nails done, take yourself on a date, maybe go to get sushi by yourself or just take out,” Porter said. “Just trying to treat yourself to something that you wouldn’t normally do.”
While Valentine’s Day is dedicated to sharing love, it doesn’t mean that people can’t enjoy it to themselves. By practicing self love on Valentines Day, individuals are able to spend more of their lovable energy with themselves and dedicate this day to being committed to themselves.
Personally, I enjoy spending time alone as it allows me to recenter the gratitude I hold for myself. I recommend people to go out of the way, in any capacity that allows them to enjoy your time. I give back to myself by going thrifting, buying myself a coffee or my favorite drink, hanging out with close friends or family, putting on my comfort show or reading a book. Along with myself, these are all ways individuals can practice self love.
The ability to spread love to others and on a personal stance holds Valentine’s Day on a high pedestal. Even if the act of love is small and special, the meaning behind it will forever be locked in a loved one’s heart.
Valentine’s Day therefore will and always be a necessary holiday which provides individuals with a specific day to pursue their love and appreciation towards others.
