Maybe you’re spending it with someone special. If you are, I’m happy for you. To love and be loved in return is a rare kind of magic. In this day and age, forming a genuine bond with someone can be somewhat of a rarity. But occasionally, when the stars align, you stumble upon a version of life that just makes sense. You find the person you want to keep around.
But maybe you haven’t yet, or you’ve found yourself in the throes of a long-distance relationship. Maybe you’re still getting over the most earth-shattering breakup of your life. I’ve been there, and Valentine’s Day is nothing short of brutal when you’re lovesick and let down. If that’s the case, every display of affection feels nauseating. I distinctly remember one year, walking past couples with glowing faces and bubbling laughter, wondering why everyone felt the need to masquerade something as fickle as love on a random day in February.
“Today is just a shallow construct designed to get people to buy things,” I remember saying to myself.
Okay, yes, viewing the holiday as a celebration of materialism is valid. It’s not necessarily wrong, either. But when you get down to the meaning behind gift-giving and going out of your way to make someone’s day extra special, it makes sense. Valentine’s Day may feel overrated, sappy, and hyper-commodified, but the sentiment behind it is this: love is meant to be shown. It is meant not only to be given, but also received.
This is my challenge to you. Regardless of whether you’re spending tomorrow with someone special or not, take the opportunity to celebrate yourself.
Buy yourself the $5 flowers that catch your eye each week at the grocery store.
Treat yourself to coffee. The way you like it. Sip it somewhere with a good view.
Go for a morning run. Or a sunset one. Or not. You’re allowed to lay in bed and watch horror movies if that’s your jam. I know I fall into that category.
The point is this: do not wait for someone else to buy you flowers, pay for your coffee, or take you on a sunrise hike. Valentine’s Day celebrates love. Not just romantic love, but self-love. It’s only 24 hours long, but practicing compassion for yourself can bring you a lifetime of happiness that only stems from within.
Tomorrow, challenge yourself to practice.