Once again, the most awaited day amongst lovers is here – Valentine’s Day! The romantic, lovey-dovey day of the year, known for its rose-giving and cheesy-card writing. It is no secret that this day is perceived as a special moment for lovers but this is not entirely the case.
While it is a day where individuals tend to show their appreciation more than usual, and maybe have a few cupids running around campus, there is more to Valentine’s than just romantic relationships. This is the day for all the people we love; our friends, families and yes, even our pets!
Friendships and relationships
For a day that is associated with love, we regularly see individuals feeling left out. This can either be because they are not dating or for other personal reasons. The idea of Valentine’s day should not just be a celebration between two individuals in a non-platonic relationship. It should encourage all other kinds of relationships, platonic or not.
Friends are just as important as a potential lover so make sure to find time for them. Check-in on your friends that you have not heard in a while, catch up with them at your favourite coffee shop and let the ones that are dear to you know how much you appreciate them.
Aside from friendships, there are also other relationships such as asexual relationships [relationships that lack sexual attraction] and polyamorous relationships [intimate relationships with more than one partner]. These two types of relationships are often disregarded. They are seen as unusual as we have grown comfortable with the normality of society. Let us take their feelings into consideration and stop with the judgemental looks on how others view relationships.
An intangible gift
Love is not measured by how expensive the gift is, how big the bouquet is or how fancy the restaurant is. While all of these things are nice, this day should not revolve around materialistic gifts. Valentine’s Day became a commercialised holiday because of our obsession to buy gifts and spend every penny.
Instead of giving a gift that could break, wither or be forgotten, give a gift that would linger in the person’s heart – the gift of compliments, smiles, and hugs. Go the extra mile for someone and make it a goal to make someone’s day. Having said that, make sure to check in on yourself and give yourself the credit you deserve.
Your time to shine!
In a fast-paced world such as this, we are constantly looking at how to please others and forget to take care of ourselves. If you are a person with no plans this Valentine’s day, then make sure to put yourself first. Catch up on that series, read that book, go to the gym, get some fresh air or just relax in bed all day listening to some good tunes.
Remember, there is more to Valentine’s than just relationships and materialistic gifts. At the end of the day, “Valentine’s” is just a name we gave to the 14th of February – appreciation, kindness, and love should be practiced all year long.
