Just a few nights ago, as I was lying on the couch in my apartment, I wondered aloud what I was going to write about for this week’s article. One of my roommates, overhearing my remark, asked if I had a theme. “Valentine’s Day, love,” I shared. She replied, “Well, write about your boyfriend, since it’s the first Valentine’s Day that you’ve had one.”
She’s right; it is the first Valentine’s Day that I’ve ever had to share with someone else, and that thought had already been swirling around my mind for a bit. However, I didn’t want to come off as too lovey-dovey, right? I mean, I’m probably one of the cheesiest people I’ve ever met, when it comes to romance and love, but, for some reason, I just couldn’t seem to shake off the idea of writing about more than just my first boyfriend—even if that’s (theoretically, at least) what Valentine’s Day is all about.
Then, it hit me: I’d write about my Valentine and my Galentines. For me, Valentine’s Day has always been a day that I’ve shared with my best friends. On Valentine’s Day, my friends and I have always showered each other with affection and had good times, be it movie nights, dinners or the like. It’s been a day that I’ve slowly come to realize can refer to more types of love than that which you’d find in a relationship.
Valentine’s Day can refer to the bonds of a friend and the romance of a close relationship, as well as any other type of love you see fit.
That being said, the conversation between my roommate managed to inadvertently turn into a reminder not to forget about my gals on this day of love, and I wanted to remind other people of that too.
For me, being in a close relationship this Valentine’s Day is something about which I’ve been very excited. The dinner, a nice walk around downtown, the stress (and fun) that comes with finding the perfect outfit—I’ve thought about it all. I’ve giggled with my friends over what we were going to wear for our date nights and laughed at the somewhat absurd things that we do for romance. As fun as these things are, it’s just as fun to spend time with my favorite ladies, this time of year. Forgetting that fact can be easier than I’d like to admit.
This Valentine’s Day, I want to urge us to remember the special people in our lives in all aspects. This year, I’ll be going to a cute restaurant with my special someone, but the night before, I’ll be going out to eat with my best friends. In both places, I’ll be spreading the love that I have for these wonderful people, and I hope that you’ll do the same.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s not forget the love that we have for our Valentine or Galentines, or both. It’s a day of love, and love extends to both relationships and friendships.