Two years ago, for the entire month of February you could find me ranting to anyone who would listen that Valentine’s Day was a superficial holiday that didn’t deserve celebration. I was insistent that nothing could come out of Valentine’s Day because it made single people sad and made people in relationships feel pressure to do things they did not want to do, like buy flowers or pay for an expensive meal. I swore up and down that flowers on a random day in June were more meaningful than flowers on Valentine’s Day because flowers on Valentine’s Day were a forced societal expectation. I’m not entirely sure why I was so bitter; I’ve never had my heart broken or been dumped on Valentine’s Day. Yes, I am single but I have been for most of my life and really love the freedom that comes with it. I didn’t want a boyfriend and I wasn’t harboring some secret vengeance for Valentine’s Day.
Above image: https://www.memesmonkey.com/topic/hate+valentines+day
So what changed my mind? Did I get a super romantic boyfriend who sweeps me off my feet and makes me love the holiday? Nope, still single folks, but last year Valentine’s Day fell on Ash Wednesday. Instead of focusing on how much I hated the bright red hearts,public displays of affection, and instagram posts, I focused on fasting, going to mass, and starting the Lenten season. I basically ignored Valentine’s Day which made me realize that I was carrying around a lot of unnecessary anger. Vehemently hating Valentine’s Day didn’t make me feel better and my friends got really tired of hearing me complain- I needed to change my attitude.
Above image: https://www.memesmonkey.com/topic/hate+valentines+day#&gid=1&pid=29
The world has enough anger, hatred, and frustration. The world needs more love. I need more love. My mom needs more love. We all need more love around us so I’m choosing to to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, but not just romantic love. Love for my friends who make time to FaceTime me and keep me updated every week even though I’m six hours ahead and in a different country. Love for my parents who give everything they have to me and my siblings and always make us a priority. Love for all the new places I get to see during my semester abroad. Love for the bus driver who always cheerfully greets me when I get on the bus. If you do have a significant other, they deserve a special day so if they or you want to celebrate, by all means, please do!
Above image: http://www.quotehd.com/Quotes/stevie-wonder-quote-the-way-the-world-is-right-now-we-need-more-love
The world needs more love, so this Valentine’s Day, if you were like me and carrying around a lot of bitterness, redirect that energy to showing the world more love.