Four days from now will be the most stereotypically romantic day of the year: Valentine’s Day. There are a lot of mixed feelings about this holiday. A lot of people don’t like it because they feel like it emphasizes their lack of significant other. Some also don’t enjoy the holiday because, although they have a significant other, they feel that it’s a capitalistic holiday that big corporations like Hallmark use to exploit people’s feelings for one another in order to make money. While Valentine’s Day is definitely a chance for companies to cash in with heart shaped balloons and giant chocolate hearts (which is not unlike every other holiday celebrated in the U.S.), that’s not what Valentine’s Day is about.
Valentine’s Day was originally a day contributed to St. Valentine, who was a Christian saint that was said to perform contraband weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. He was eventually arrested and executed by the Romans for ministering to Christians. During the 18th century, Valentine’s Day became associated with romance as men began to give flowers, candies and cards to the women they were courting. Today, Valentine’s Day still carries the same meaning. It’s a day for people to show their appreciation for their significant other through a small physical token.
In fact, Valentine’s Day has expanded from just couples to friends and even acquaintances. Children are now exchange valentines with their friends and classmates. At the end of the day, they rush home to see how many goodies they received. While this may seem like a marketing ploy, it doesn’t have to be. It’s just as easy and more inexpensive to make someone something for Valentine’s Day as it is to buy something. People also generally appreciate a hand-made gift rather than a store bought one because while the store bought gifts are flashier, they don’t involve as much thought as hand-made ones.
Additionally, it’s not required to give gifts for Valentine’s Day. Your significant lover will like a night alone with you or a nice dinner just as well because they will feel appreciated. If you don’t have a significant other, it’s the perfect time to spend time with a close friend or family member and show your appreciation and love for them as well. It’s also a good opportunity to ask someone out on a date if you don’t want to spend the night alone. Don’t allow yourself to be bothered by other people’s romantic day, have one for yourself.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show the people you love and care about that you appreciate and are thinking of them. Don’t worry about the monetary aspects and enjoy yourself.
