Also written by Megan Montgomery
Remember when we were in 3rd grade and every Valentine’s Day, we would create cute mailboxes and hand out “U Rock!’ Valentine’s stickers? When did we make the switch where Valentine’s Day is a weird holiday that we only celebrate if we are in a serious teenage relationship or a married couple celebrating 25 years together?
At this point in my life, I dread Valentine’s Day. I have been exposed to so many memes about being lonely on Valentine’s Day, and since I’ve never been in a relationship, I believed them for so long and Valentine’s Day has become a day I just need to get through-ignore the couples that look happy and make me miserable and come home to wallow.
What’s the point of this holiday for those of us not in “love” (or at least pretending to be) at this point in our lives? Why doesn’t it have to be about your friends, family or people that you appreciate and love in your life? Why is it so exclusive?
For me personally, a girly girl who loves hearts and the color pink, I love the holiday of Valentine’s Day. And just to put it out there, this is my seventeenth Valentine’s Day alone. Yes, I am seventeen years old so I have never had a romantic Valentine’s Day.
Why can’t we take away the stereotype that everyone needs a romantic relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day and instead celebrate your friends, family, and other people who are important to you? Chocolate, conversation hearts, and fun stuffed animals are always a great gift to receive from anyone. It’s not just about romance.
In my opinion, it is more fun to celebrate Valentine’s Day by watching cringey romantic comedies, such as Valentine’s Day or reading a romance novel. Or, you could even just spend a good day with your friends and tell them that you appreciate them. I like to spend the holiday dressed up in hearts and lots of pink and red to keep the festive energy going. A nice dinner with your friends or family is always a great way to end the night as well.
It is another non-formal holiday on the list of holidays we celebrate each year. Instead of being negative about not having a relationship, spend the day taking care of yourself or the ones you love. Buy yourself chocolate, or better yet wait until February 15th, my personal favorite day to buy myself the discounted leftover chocolate.
Make sure of all things, you love yourself and treat yourself for this holiday based around love. You could also throw it back and go to Target, get some of your favorite looking Valentines and give them to all your friends (or people in your class) to spread a little love to everyone!