As February creeps back into hibernation, so does the festive environment that Valentine’s Day brings every year. If buying gifts and chocolates for your significant other once a year seems superficial, that’s because it is.
It’s not about the gifts or the flowers; it’s about setting aside time for the ones you love the most. Many people dislike Valentine’s Day because they misinterpret the meaning entirely. Love does not always equate to a significant other. It’s also connected to the love you share with your family, friends, and your own self.
If your idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day is going to the store and purchasing heart-shaped chocolates, which will most likely end up in the trash, it’s no wonder why you’d dislike Valentine’s Day.
To be quite frank, that’s not your fault. The media has shoved this idealized version of the beloved holiday down the throats of anyone within a mile of a screen. Not to mention movies, shows, and books based around Valentine’s Day, all portray it to be some superficial day, in which you have to do some big romantic gesture for your partner.
Many movies themed around Valentine’s Day such as the films “Valentine’s Day” (2010) and “I Hate Valentine’s Day” (2009) solely focus on heartbreak and how people create some big unrealistic gesture to make up for their mistakes.
In reality, you should be doing something for your partner much more than once a year. It’s true, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to show your partner how much you care, but that’s not the key part of the holiday.
English teacher Julie Skinner is known to be the Queen of Valentine’s Day because of her tradition of exchanging classroom valentines in the spirit of kindness and friendship.
“I don’t think of it so much as a romantic holiday, but it’s just a nice day where you can show people how much you appreciate them and love them as people, such as your friends. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a romantic thing. It’s also a nice bright spot in the midst of the winter that’s very joyful and happy,” Skinner said.
Next Valentine’s Day, try to incorporate it into your life in other ways such as self-care, calling your mom, or giving your pet a hug. Or better yet, celebrate Valentine’s every day by showing love 365 days a year rather than once in a blue moon.
