When I was a kid, Valentine’s Day was one of the most exciting days of the school year. I had spent days picking out the perfect cards and candy to give to my classmates, labored away over the decorated shoebox that would hold all my treats, and written sweet notes to everyone in my class. I was so happy celebrating my friendships with my classmates and giving gifts to show I cared.
As I’ve gotten older, Valentine’s Day has switched over from being a fun day full of sweets to a day that most people seem to dread, even the people in relationships that this holiday is supposed to celebrate. There’s a new pressure to be in a relationship, to buy the perfect cards and chocolates and flowers, to make the candlelit dinner reservations and plan some hugely romantic grand gesture to surprise your significant other with.
These grand gestures aren’t being done because we want to – we go all out on Valentine’s day because we feel like we have to. This goes against the whole spirit of Valentine’s Day! A celebration of your love for other people shouldn’t be done out of a sense of obligation – it should come from the heart.
This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to do away with the generic gifts. No giant teddy bears, chocolate boxes, last-minute bouquets, or pre-made cards. Instead, embrace your inner kid and give your Valentine’s gifts from the heart. Make them yourself, include a personal touch, and celebrate your relationships by giving your partner or friends something truly meaningful. They’ll appreciate it so much more, and you’ll feel better knowing that you showed them that you truly care.
This is especially relevant if you have a romantic partner this Valentine’s day, but it’s a good thing to try if you’re single, too. Your friends and family will appreciate a small gesture of your affection, and it’s a fun way to spread the love when they’re not expecting it.
I’m going to go all-out with my friends this Valentine’s Day and fully revert to our childhood way of celebrating Valentine’s Day, decorated shoeboxes and all. We’re really looking forward to just having some fun with it and celebrating our friendship in a creative and nostalgic way. There’s no pressure to have the perfect day or buy all the right things – we’re just letting one another how much we appreciate them. I can’t wait.