I don’t have to tell you what Valentines Day is all about. We celebrate with romantic dinners, silly cards and candy, hearts and kisses, and of course, chocolate, but in the end it all comes down to point to the same thing: love. Love is a universal word with a multifaceted meaning. There is romantic love, eighth-grade crushes, and celebrity infatuations. There’s the undeniable love for siblings and parents as well as the love between best friends. Not only does love differ between people and relationships, but the actions we use to show these emotions also vary. Love can be grandiose with elaborate demonstrations, a simple smile or a quick “good morning” text. It is these differing shapes, sizes and forms that make love the omnipresent and all encompassing emotion we know and, well, love.
Valentine’s Day has become a day during which we devote our full attention to the people who make us experience and feel such fondness. We venerate these people and our relationships with them, thank them for their care and the happiness they bring us. I always buy my siblings little gifts to remind them that despite our endless bickering, I still love them. I send my boyfriend silly cards, boxers and his favorite candy to thank him for being there for me. I mail my best friend magazines and nail polish to show her how important her relentless spirit, and presence is to my life. Each year passes, and every February, I send or give some token of my feelings to my loved ones.
But each year passes, and every February there is someone I forget: myself. And I am positive that I’m not the only one. Valentine’s Day seems to have lost a significant piece in its collection of loved ones. There are no Hallmark cards addressed to “me,” or Teddy Bears embroidered with “myself” on it; yet, there is no person that it is more important to love than your very own self.
We spend so much time focused on the work we have to do for others, but between the madness and chaos that consumes each day, do we take time to thank and celebrate ourselves? It wasn’t your boyfriend who landed the awesome internship, or your dad who got the A on that term paper, or your best friend who ran the extra mile yesterday. It was you! As young women, we often attribute the credit and accomplishments we’ve earned for ourselves to others, avoiding compliments and acting overly humble. We either forget or simply do not feel right about appreciating our talents and abilities that are responsible for our triumphs, both big (like crushing that midterm exam) and small (avoiding the snooze button and miraculously getting yourself out of bed on the first alarm.)
While Valentine’s Day is typically a holiday associated with celebrating your relationship with others, this doesn’t mean you should forget to be equally and tender and loving with yourself. Unfortunately every time the clock strikes February 14th, we transform into self-loathing pumpkins that only seem to admonish and bash themselves for being single. WE need to remember that it is just a single day, and that just like any other day of the year, whether we are single or in a relationship should have no bearing on how we love ourselves.
You should love yourself first this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship, embracing the girl power of your roomies or just being yourself with the friends who love you, enjoy the day. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure, maybe both, and eat the candy your mom sent you, or guiltlessly enjoy a Netflix binge. Remember to love and celebrate yourself, all the little quirks and flairs that not only comprise who you are, but are also to thank for your amazing accomplishments.