As we get closer and closer to Valentine’s Day, a lot of people have been expressing their dread for this upcoming holiday. When I asked my roommate what he was going to do with his girlfriend for Valentine’s Day, he responded, “I don’t know. It’s kind of a fake holiday.” My other friends in relationships are apprehensive about making plans, and a lot of my single friends say they hate this time of the year. My question is: what is everyone so down about?
Valentine’s Day may be a commercially-introduced holiday associated with a lot of cliches, but it also is an opportunity to step back and appreciate those you love in your life. I get that there is a lot of pressure associated with it for those in relationships, and those who aren’t feel like they can’t celebrate it. But Valentine’s Day can be one of the most fun and meaningful holidays if you just give it a chance! I have been both in a relationship and single on Valentine’s Day, and I can confidently say that both situations are equally fun occasions to celebrate.
For Singles
If you are single on Valentine’s Day, congratulations! You get to have all of the fun and none of the pressure. Societal expectations might lead you to believe you should be sad to be celebrating alone, but that is far from the truth. Even though Valentine’s Day is an inherently romantic holiday, I like to think about it as a time to show anyone you love how much you appreciate them. And that starts with yourself. Take some time for yourself on Valentine’s Day to do something you love or something that relaxes you. You might take yourself out for a mani-pedi or even just give yourself a break from homework and take a nap. I particularly like to lean into the Valentine’s Day hullabaloo and get some delicious chocolates or some flowers. And yes, getting flowers for yourself is a perfectly acceptable—I would say even admirable—thing to do. Also, make some time to hang out with friends or family. Growing up my family’s Valentine’s Day tradition was to make chocolate mousse and watch Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers fall in love through dance in Top Hat. I feel like we often forget to consciously step back and appreciate those who we love, so with all the love in the air on Valentine’s Day, it is the perfect time to do just that.
For Couples
I get it. Valentine’s Day can be stressful. All the expectations and materialistic romance can be exhausting. But it doesn’t have to be like that! Valentine’s Day is a time to step back and show your partner that you love and appreciate them. Showing your love and appreciation doesn’t have to be some big planned trip or a huge presentation of flowers and chocolates. It should be something to look forward to and a chance to bring you closer together with your partner. Relationships are two-way streets, so this holiday is the perfect opportunity to do something you love together. Really, it’s just a great excuse to do that fun activity you have talked about doing or watch that movie that’s been on your list for months. One of my best Valentine’s Days in a relationship I went out to hibachi restaurant with my boyfriend and his family then spent the rest of the night watching movies in bed. It was far from a big, planned affair, but I felt so much closer to my boyfriend afterward. It’s fun being in a relationship on Valentine’s Day because you get the chance to consciously make an effort with your partner. And hey, it is kind of nice when someone else does get you flowers…
I know there will always be those people resistant to Valentine’s Day, but it is fun to celebrate, regardless of your relationship status. If you find yourself dreading Valentine’s this year, try to reframe your perspective a bit and try some of the things I’ve mentioned. You might just find that celebrating this holiday with those you love will leave you a lot happier than if you never give it a chance.