Ironically, the one year I didn’t post anything Valentine’s Day related (that being last year) was the only time I was actually in a relationship on Valentine’s Day.
So, here we are again. It’s Valentine’s Day, and so many of us are single. For some, that might inspire some harsh feelings towards the holiday—because it’s definitely a holiday. If you’re like me, you might try making plans to take yourself out on a date. There’s no wrong way to feel, of course. Some people like their coffee bitter, others sweet.
I haven’t exactly done much for Valentine’s Day outside of doing things for myself. Some people would say that’s a good thing, since I’m taking care of myself and treating myself when I want to. While it is nice, I find myself sometimes feeling lonely still. I have plenty of friends to spend time with on Valentine’s Day, since a lot of us are single, but it doesn’t feel the same, in a way.
I’m still a bit of a stranger to romance. My ex and I were long distance for most of our relationship, so we didn’t go out on many dates when we were together. I miss having someone to be physically close to the way we were, though, when we were physically together. Valentine’s Day just amplifies my yearning, showing me how happy some couples are and how much more content in their singlehood some people are compared to me.
Even still, though, Valentine’s Day is still one of my favorite days of the year. Admittedly, part of that is because of the free chocolate from professors or clubs, but I genuinely like being able to see people happy, either in couples or by themselves. Maybe at this point, with some of the poorer romantic experiences I’ve had combined with now knowing what it’s like to be in a loving relationship and missing that, I should be a bit more jaded about Valentine’s Day. But, no. I love Valentine’s Day from the aesthetic to the seasonal flavors, and I don’t see that ever stopping.