Today is the fourteenth day of February - just another day in the month, it would seem. Yet, it’s also such a pivotal day for so many people. It’s a day where people spread their mushy gushy love posts all over social media, the lines at stores are out of control to buy flowers and chocolates, and red is everywhere - if you haven’t already guessed, it’s Valentine’s Day.
In high school, I remember never having a valentine. Sure, I dated people, but we never seemed to be dating on Valentine’s Day. Dolled up with braces, glasses, and uncontrollable dread-lock hair, this didn’t really help my self-esteem. Our high school allowed students to send pink carnations with a card to someone and although I always sent some, I only received one back from my best friend. (Who pretended it was from a guy so we would feel better about ourselves) But, I wish I could go back in time and tell my little 16 year old self that there is so much more to life than a silly holiday.
My freshman year of college, I wanted to throw an “I hate Valentine’s Day” party, which mostly consisted of my friends and I drinking the night away in some sort of self-pity. Little did I know, the next year I would not only have a valentine, but start dating my boyfriend. It’s interesting how life works, isn’t it? When you worry about finding love, it never seems to come - but when you’re not concerned with it at all, that’s when you end up finding someone perfect for you.
As I sit here, eating a full box of chocolates and watching my annual movie tradition - the 2010 hit Valentine’s Day - I’ve realized something. Today is a day to share your feelings with people you love, but that doesn’t necessarily mean only your significant other. Spend the day spreading love and kindness to everyone around you, whether it be family, friends, or a stranger. Even if you’re single, show a little love to yourself! Get that perfume you’ve been eyeing or treat your toes to a cute pedi.
Valentine’s Day may be a “fake holiday” or a little “corporate scheme” to get lovebirds to buy lots of presents, but it’s also one day during the year that people can show a little happiness. And, by the way the world is going right now, I think everyone could use a little pick-me-up....and some chocolate.