(It is important to note that someone who is now in a very happy relationship writes all of this, so it is possible that the author has rose-colored glasses on and should be ignored at all costs.)
I am a woman who has had her fair share of anti-Valentine’s Day feelings, believe me. My past experiences with the holiday have been full of some Hollywood-worthy heartbreaks, and seeing all the happy couples be mushy gush made me feel truly ill. However, regardless of my personal love-life status, I have always loved celebrating Valentine’s Day. What really matters to me about the holiday is love itself, not what type of love you’re celebrating. A romantic date with a partner is a classic and wonderful Valentine’s tradition, but it isn’t the only way to take part in such a beautiful holiday.
I’m sure most Valentine’s haters are tired of others trying to hype up knock-offs like Galentine’s or Palentine’s, but the truth of it is, they’re all the same thing! Val, Pal, Gal, whatever it is, they are all just a commodified excuse to put on over-the-top displays of admiration for people you love. Every year I make as many handmade cards as I can (last year’s were frog puns with romance movie quotes, for any wondering) and a triple batch of cookies (Valentine M&M’s) to hand out to all my friends. And I have just as much fun and love in my heart doing this as I do when there’s a romantic partner involved. Seeing a friend’s face light up because I did something special to show them I love them is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world, and that exchange of love and affection is what the holiday is about.
Even if you aren’t a baker or cardmaker, you can still get into the spirit of things. Feeling grumpy and lonely surrounded by happy couples? Get your friends or family together to watch a movie! I find that a good old-fashioned slasher is the best cure for V-day-induced envy. You can get a nice dinner, or do a gift exchange. Call your parents; or siblings; or grandparents; or cousins; or anyone you love and tell them that. Everything that you could do to celebrate with a partner, can be done with some friends or family. If you have love to give, you are one step away from having a happy Valentine’s Day. Your love deserves to be commemorated for the love holiday, no matter what form it comes in.
I know that an article on the internet from a strange girl blabbing on about the importance of a silly holiday probably won’t sway any hardcore cynics, but I am trying nonetheless. As someone who has been in that headspace, I truly believe that the love I share with my friends and family is just as crucial to Valentine’s Day as the love I share with my boyfriend. I hope you all have a very happy Valentine’s Day, whatever it looks like for you!
And if nobody has asked you yet, will you be my Valentine?