Valentine's Day

The other night I had a friend text me and ask me for help. When I asked her what she needed, she said she was writing something for work: A single person’s perspective on Valentine’s Day. My first instinct was to throw up in my mouth. I was born on February 11 and have grown up with people referring to me as a “Valentine’s baby.” This along with the fact that to me, Valentines day became lame after I stopped getting candy in school, has made me despise the holiday. However, I recently have come to some realizations that have made V-day so not awful anymore. And it didn’t start by my relationship status changing.

Realization #1: Love extends beyond boyfriend/ girlfriend or husband wife relationship.

This sounds corny and super obvious, but it’s true. A few nights ago I was talking to a friend and he said that he always sends his mom flowers on Valentine’s Day. Maybe I live under a rock, but I know of very few guys in their twenties (or guys in general for that matter) that send things to their moms on Valentines’ Day. This reminded me that when I was young, I came home from school to find a purple rose (my favorite color) from my dad on Valentine’s Day. I can remember several years where he would send me a flower at school or have something waiting for me when I got home. My dad is the ultimate example of knowing how to treat all the girls in his life right. So think about your family or your close friends. Maybe one of them could use a card or treat to let them know how much you care about them.

Realization #2: Life is better when you’re happy.

Another obvious truth, I know. However, I also know way too many people (and I hate to say it’s mostly girls) who are extremely unhappy when this time of year rolls around. They become cynical, talk about how much they hate men, how stupid men are, and how all men seem to date the wrong type of girl. This is usually followed by an excessive intake of chocolate, ice cream, candy, cookies, or anything else high in calories that they feel like will help them drown out the sorrow of their sad, single existence. All the while watching ridiculously cheesy chick flicks and wishing their life was like a Nicholas Sparks book. 

Every girl can probably admit to at least some of this behavior; sometimes it happens. But lately I have noticed how obnoxious it is when people are negative about anything: how it just kind of sucks the life out of you. Dwelling on something that you can’t change at the moment is so miserable! And though a lot of people might not believe this, I think I can choose my attitude about anything and everything. And I think it’s great to be happy, on Valentine’s Day or any day of the year; because I have a family and friends who love me despite my weird and quirky behaviors… and that’s a pretty great thing.