Hallmark Holiday. It's the label most people put on that lovely day each year that hits us smack dab in the middle of February, Valentine's Day. The day we are prompted to treat our special someone to copious amounts of chocolate, overpriced roses, and expensive dinners out. And I get it, the notion that we don't really need to designate a day each year to cut out pink hearts and hang pictures of Cupid in our windows. But the most surprising thing is that this sentiment comes from both the coupled up and singles alike. I know many may argue that we don't need to set a date on the calendar to express our love - we should do it everyday of the year, right? How truly unfortunate that we have become so disengaged and jaded when it comes to love that we neglect to see V-Day as an opportunity to embrace love in all it's forms.
Think about it: Birthdays allow us to reflect on the fact another year has passed and remind ourselves how quickly the time goes, Thanksgiving and Christmas permit the lengthy periods of downtime to finally get around to seeing your extended family, and even the Statutory Holiday Long Weekends in the summer offer a chance to reconnect with old friends under the sun. We need these special days. We must ensure that we don't risk loosing our intimate times of affection by penciling date night into our hectic schedule. Rather, we have to continue to print these unique days in bold, permanent ink. I agree that we don't need a significant day to show others that we care but often times the nature of life's demands take priority over what's really important which is why it's imperative that we cease these moments as a reminder be thankful for our relationships. More importantly, we must recognize that Valentine's Day is the one Holiday that truly encompasses and unites everyone, even those singles who may feel singled out.
You may have heard the phrase, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." Solid advice from that frat boy trying to interfere with your long distance relationship. I've heard this saying from time to time and always dismissed it as rationale for someone who lacks physical proximity to their mate, or even for those who 'settle' for whatever lands in their lap. But when I started to think more and more of all my single friends who often lament this Hallmark Holiday, and even those in solid relationships who view it as a cash grab for corporations - maybe we should all be following that advice this Vday, or at least the last part of it: love the one you're with. When you take the real root of that advice, perhaps that drunken college logic isn't too far off course and actually sheds some light at the end of that 24 hour tunnel that is Single's Awareness Day (coincidentally also on the 14th). It's not about spending money and going over the top, above and beyond but more about acknowledging those we love with love.
Valentine's day doesn't have to be all about our romantic relationships, it is a celebration of love, a time to slow down the pace and really show gratitude for those special people in our lives -- in all kinds of relationships. So love the one you're with this Valentine's Day, whether it's your best friend, parent, or sister. Let your mailman, your hairstylist or even your pet be your Valentine, after all, there are no bounds when it comes to love. And if you are in a romantic relationship, love the one you're with too. Show them that for you, they are the most fascinating and exciting person in the world. Make them feel like they radiate an incomparable energy that brings a swing to your step and a twinkle in your eye.
Valentine's Day is a day to love and be loved so this Hallmark Holiday, love the one you're with
Think about it: Birthdays allow us to reflect on the fact another year has passed and remind ourselves how quickly the time goes, Thanksgiving and Christmas permit the lengthy periods of downtime to finally get around to seeing your extended family, and even the Statutory Holiday Long Weekends in the summer offer a chance to reconnect with old friends under the sun. We need these special days. We must ensure that we don't risk loosing our intimate times of affection by penciling date night into our hectic schedule. Rather, we have to continue to print these unique days in bold, permanent ink. I agree that we don't need a significant day to show others that we care but often times the nature of life's demands take priority over what's really important which is why it's imperative that we cease these moments as a reminder be thankful for our relationships. More importantly, we must recognize that Valentine's Day is the one Holiday that truly encompasses and unites everyone, even those singles who may feel singled out.
You may have heard the phrase, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with." Solid advice from that frat boy trying to interfere with your long distance relationship. I've heard this saying from time to time and always dismissed it as rationale for someone who lacks physical proximity to their mate, or even for those who 'settle' for whatever lands in their lap. But when I started to think more and more of all my single friends who often lament this Hallmark Holiday, and even those in solid relationships who view it as a cash grab for corporations - maybe we should all be following that advice this Vday, or at least the last part of it: love the one you're with. When you take the real root of that advice, perhaps that drunken college logic isn't too far off course and actually sheds some light at the end of that 24 hour tunnel that is Single's Awareness Day (coincidentally also on the 14th). It's not about spending money and going over the top, above and beyond but more about acknowledging those we love with love.
Valentine's day doesn't have to be all about our romantic relationships, it is a celebration of love, a time to slow down the pace and really show gratitude for those special people in our lives -- in all kinds of relationships. So love the one you're with this Valentine's Day, whether it's your best friend, parent, or sister. Let your mailman, your hairstylist or even your pet be your Valentine, after all, there are no bounds when it comes to love. And if you are in a romantic relationship, love the one you're with too. Show them that for you, they are the most fascinating and exciting person in the world. Make them feel like they radiate an incomparable energy that brings a swing to your step and a twinkle in your eye.
Valentine's Day is a day to love and be loved so this Hallmark Holiday, love the one you're with
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