As we enter the second month of the year, the chaos and busyness of everyday life have already begun. Now that a majority of secular holidays have come and gone, the festivities have come to a close and everyone has acclimated back to work and school.
However, February still gives us the opportunity to decorate, be with our loved ones, and celebrate with one special holiday: Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is a day to reflect on the important relationships we have in our lives. It allows us to take away the fanfare of the past holiday season, and continue to focus on those that bring us joy and remind us that we are loved.
Although Feb. 14 is a day that is targeted toward celebrating romantic relationships, making plans to hang out with friends also reminds us of the shared love we have with people who truly understand us. If any of your friends feel down on being single this Valentine’s Day, cheer them up with some quality time together! It’s the perfect occasion to reminisce on all of the laughs, tears, and beautiful memories, all while creating new ones.
Also, it’s a great excuse to dress up in red and pink themed clothes and decorate your space to your heart’s content. While playing up the theme, a fun night in watching friendship-themed films (hello, Beaches remake!) with tasty treats can make for a gathering that’s the perfect substitute for a solo pity-party.
However, if you are spending the holiday with your significant other, organize the perfect day that centers on a common interest. For example, making a reservation at that restaurant where you first bonded over a favorite meal can be a trip down memory lane, and an easy compromise for a plan. Scheduling a night of exciting events such as going to see your favorite artist in concert, attending a friend’s party, or even binge watching Netflix together are all great ways to bring people together in celebrating what makes them compatible.
Depending on if it’s a collaborative plan or a plan to surprise your partner, making sure those special details shine through is what will let them know how much they mean to you. The day should celebrate the heartfelt memories that have been a backbone of a long relationship, or if the relationship is fairly new, spending quality time getting to truly understand one another and strengthen a relationship. After all, this day is designated to celebrate all of the love that surrounds us, including the unique and wonderful companionship romantic partners can provide us.
Valentine’s Day is advertised as a day to appreciate the ones we know and love, but can also be a great opportunity to give love to those who many not always receive it. In a divisive time such as this, small acts of kindness can add up to a positive impact on the world around us. Smiling when another person crosses your path, holding the door for that last person to go through, or even saying hi to someone new can help to spread some much needed compassion.
In doing so, these thoughtful actions can help instill the idea that love can be found even in places where we least expect it.
However you choose to celebrate this year, remember that Valentine’s Day can be made to rejoice in all kinds of love, from all kinds of people and can help spread love that we all could use some more of.
