Is it just me, or does Valentine’s Day get as much hate as tax day and go-to-the-dentist day? While opinions vary, I’ve heard a lot more loathing lately than praise.
Here’s what I think: It’s whatever we make it, and rocks most when we embrace ourselves. ‘Cuz, think about it:
♥ If you love and respect yourself, you’re probably either single—because you want to be or refuse to settle and haven’t met the right person yet—or in a healthy, happy relationship.
♥ If you’re in a healthy, happy relationship, you and your partner probably communicate well. He or she knows how you prefer to celebrate the holiday (if at all), and vice versa. And you both respect each other’s desires. There’s no competition or standard to meet, other than one of mutual respect.
♥ If you’re a self-loving single, you won’t let the day zap your happiness. When degrading memes crop up, poking fun at being single on Heart Day, you’ll be all, “Dude! I’d so rather be on my own or with friends on V-Day than lonely in the wrong relationship.” You’ll ignore those memes and invest your time, thoughts and energy elsewhere.
It’s just a day, people! And you’re WAY too groovy to let it bring you down.
If you are going to let the cupid extravaganzas get you down, at least laugh at the goofiness they inspire—and perhaps yourself. For some inspiration, check out Jilly and Shawn’s latest episode of STOP IT!
How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? How will you spend this one? I love hearing from you!
Great post, as always.
I tease a lot on FB and Twitter about how I hate Valentine’s day but it’s all in fun though it’s still not my favorite “holiday” – and has nothing to do with being single or not – I just don’t like all the trappings of it and pressures men can feel – etc
Fun is always good! I don’t think men should feel pressured either.
I’m definitely a fan of V-day. This year, I’ll be spending it with my two valentines, my hubby and baby girl. Luckily, Xaviana does great when we take her out on dates with us.
Back in the day when I was single, I spent V-days hanging out with family and friends–and, of course, eating chocolate and conversation hearts, two of my favorite things. Sometimes, I got sucked into a little negativity, especially during the years when it seemed like all my friends had boyfriends except me. But I always felt better when I remembered that V-day is a holiday all about love–whether it’s your significant other, you parents, your friends, and/or your dog!
Thanks for the awesome post, and happy Valentine’s Day to you.
I absolutely agree! Yesterday I had the following conversation with my husband regarding this first Valentine’s Day we will celebrate as a married couple:
“So, uh, are you planning anything special for Saturday?”
“Not really. I thought I’d get you a card and something little. But we decided to stay home because we’ve got the kids.”
“Perfect!”
The pressure for the perfect Valentine’s Day stresses me out! Let’s hear it for low key!
Last night, my Accomplice in Mischief told me, “I thought about getting you sometihing, but then I didn’t.”
That made me happy. I told him, “When I say I don’t want you to get me anything, it’s not a manipulation, I really don’t want anything.”
We’re about to spend a blissful two weeks without work – and with extended family. There’s feet of snow here, and green there. Oh, how I will love seeing GREEN again! And growing things.
And the man I met on his birthday, eighteen years ago next Friday. Not to mention the really cool people we made together.
He’s given me eighteen years of himself. I hope that I’ve done the same for him.
There’s just nothing to be had in any store that would come close to comparing to the reality…
My LIFE is the best gift of all!
May you enjoy Fat Baby Seth Rogen Day! =D MWAH!
Reblogged this on shanjeniah and commented:
If you love yourself, the trappings are only icing!
I always thought Valentines Day was about your secret love, you know, that person who is too shy to talk to you etc. Now it’s so commercialised that people feel guilty if they’re not spending to the max on their spouse, lover, girlfriend (or all three). I tell my wife I love her several times a day, I buy or pick flowers for her and we do things together. I guess I don’t need some long dead saint. Now, about Xmas…
Sounds like perpetual Valentine’s Day in your world, Laurie – and not the commercialized version. I love it.
I do channel Grumplestiltskin now and then August but on the whole (no pun) I’m still a romantic.
I think it should be about celebrating love in all its forms. Make it inclusive of singles, widows, those who aren’t in a defined relationship. Romantic love is great, but the love of a friend or a parent is just as special and should be celebrated too. My parents and I went washer shopping and had a nice dinner on V-Day.
Aw, sounds like you celebrated beautifully. And I am right there with you: love is love, and worth enjoying/celebrating, regardless of the specifics.