People young and old, either have a love for or hatred of Valentine’s Day. People who love Valentine’s Day vary in their exact reasoning, but it all boils down to excitement to show someone how much we care for them. The reasons to hate the holiday are much more complicated.
People’s disdain for Valentine’s Day can likely stem from not having a partner to share the holiday with. Another could be as simple as not enjoying the commercialization cash grab that it is for major corporations, they shove a little heart on something and suddenly the chocolate goes for 6 dollars instead of 4. There is also now the factor of having to see the ten thousand social media posts of everyone else going out and having a good time while you just aren’t.
Personally I have always loved Valentine’s Day, it comes from the fact that when I was little my Pop Pop without fail always made sure to give me a flower, my favorite chocolates, and of course a stuffed animal. While my gift and the ones he gave his daughters were sweet and cherished he spared no expense on my grandmother and that’s always stuck with me. You don’t have to go all out for everyone but being kind and getting a little something goes a long way. So for as long as I remember I got everyone some little valentine, by everyone I mean adults and kids alike, from Walmart to hand out. Even in middle school when those festivities stopped, I still forced my parents to buy them and I would still hand them out. I got to show others how much I loved and appreciated them so often the scorn and comments for being childish rolled off.
Though this day doesn’t bring nearly as much joy to most, I’d like to share some ways to not only have a good day but also to change your perspective on the holiday as a whole:
Love Yourself:
Being single February 14th isn’t the end of the world. Having a good time shouldn’t require being around others.
Treat yourself! There are 24 towns within Gloucester county each being quaint yet filled with shops galore. When flying solo, a nice way to spend your Valentine’s Day is by taking a walk around the little shops. Shopping in local shops also doubles as supporting small businesses if you end up buying anything. You can buy little things for yourself or just enjoy your time looking around. Some small towns like Pitman and Blackwood have events to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Not everyone is an out and about person which is understandable with winter in the air. Another perfect day of treating yourself can include a little “spa day”. Order your favorite take out, drink your favorite drink, and watch your favorite movies and or shows. Do some skin care, and have fun with it by using a leave on face mask, paint your nails or just do something you typically skip for time purposes. Get into your comfiest outfit or your cutest, whichever the heart desires ,and just relax. See how as you go through that list there are no compromises? That’s the secret to having a good day spending your time with what you want to do.
Be your own partner. It’s really not that hard and sometimes if you want all the small things that the US has come to covet as parts of the perfect Valentine’s Day, the best way to make it perfect is to do it yourself. Buy the bouquet of your favorite flowers, buy chocolates (especially the chocolate covered strawberries that make everyday a little brighter), get dressed up, or whatever attire fits the restaurant you so choose, for a dinner out, and come home to a relaxing evening in your home. It’s simple but not sad–it’s just learning to love yourself the way you want others to love you.V
The Art of Giving:
Remember elementary school? Everyone came in with the different valentines from the shelves of the big-box retailers or the home made ones which frankly were the best ones. All of them folded with the little heart stickers taping them shut hiding the goodies and message inside, each one adorning the name of its recipient.
When you were younger the joy of Valentine’s Day didn’t stem from having a Valentine because no one had a Valentine; we were children. The joy was receiving a little gift no matter how small and silly it was, or even who it came from, the thought that you were given something marked with your name on it made it special. Getting even the smallest trinkets to hand out to people in school or on the street are appreciated. It’ll make someone’s day to receive something when they are sad and have no one to spend the holiday with.
It doesn’t have to be something elaborate where you give everyone a thoughtful gift. You don’t need to fill out the names on all the little cards as you once did. Just handing it out to someone without any notion of receiving something back in return will make you feel good.
Granted going up and talking to strangers isn’t for everyone, so another option is to get gifts for your friends, family, or teachers. They can be the same Valentines as before, or they could be bigger gifts. It all depends on the budget and how many people you are taking into account. If gifts aren’t in the budget, or you just aren’t good at gifting letters also work wonderfully. Words are the gateway to the soul and can have lasting effects on people. A kind word or two will make anyone’s day, and it takes only a fraction of time and nearly no effort.
Platonic Relationships for the Win:
Focusing on what you don’t have is a large reason people fail to find happiness within Valentine’s day. Never neglect what you do have, which are your friends, the bonds and relationships you’ve chosen as you’ve grown. Having these people is how we get through the day to day so why should Valentine’s Day be any different? It’s because of this ideology “Galentine’s dates” have started popping up. There is a wide variety of Valentine’s activities to choose from with them ranging from a small group to a large one. So when feeling lonely call up your “gals” and plan something. Now in every friend group there is bound to be the one in a relationship, but even they should be counted for when planning to spend Valentine’s Day with friends.
Having a small get together is always a good way to spend any holiday with friends. Make it a potluck giving everyone a chance to pitch in on the fun. Set a dress code and theme for your guests. Have a photo area to memorialize the event. Bring games, Valentine’s Day themed ones would bring the whole thing together, and have a laugh with those who you are closest to.
It doesn’t have to be grand or pricey to have a good time; you just need good people and food.
There is always the classic way to spend time with friends, a sleepover. Sleepovers have endless possibilities given that it’s a party that lasts until morning. You can watch a bunch of romcoms, paint, play board games, or anything really–the possibilities are endless. Just plan a night to do something that’ll make you and your friends happy.
Going out to eat for brunch or dinner to a nice place with friends is always a good option. Doing “couple things” with friends can bring out the full effect of Valentine’s Day but not feel so lonely as it could if you were doing it for yourself. Get each other gifts, cards, and just spend the day together.
Whether you are treating yourself or your friends this Valentine’s Day, remember your possibilities are endless. Your feeling towards the holiday will always stem from what you make of it. If you choose to be alone, then don’t hate some of those who choose not to. A relationship is nice, and it makes everything easier when Valentine’s Day comes around, but those who were there before the relationship will likely be the ones long after and deserve the same show of love and affection.
