Traditionally, Valentine's Day is amazing for people in relationships and National Singles Awareness Day to others. Whether I'm dating someone or not - I LOVE VALENTINES DAY!
Certainly it's a Hallmark holiday. And in reality its not to be taken very seriously. But a day dedicated to love, shiny things and chocolate is a day I'm happy to celebrate! I also highly value February 15th when all candy is 50% off.
Whatever your relationship status - I'd like to change your perspective on the day of love and challenge you to think about it in a new way. It should be fun and it should be exactly what it stands for - a day to celebrate love.
I want you to think of valentine's day as a day to celebrate all relationships. Romantic, family, friends, anyone you value in your life (I highly value the guy who delivers my Amazon Prime shipments, he gets a valentine!). And I want you to include your relationship with yourself in that day. Choose to celebrate love for all of those people.
Now Valentine's Day is after all at its most basic - a Hallmark Holiday meant to encourage spending. Instead of elaborate gifts, choose to create gifts from the heart. Think back to when you were a kid and the fun cards you gave to everyone and little conversational hearts you handed out to classmates. Make Valentine's Day about true care again. Write a card, handout the old school candy hearts, frame your favorite photo, cook for your special people. Whatever you do - don't make it about stuff. Make it about the heart.
So no matter what your romantic situation - don't let that define what a day of love means to you. It's absolutely ridiculous to let a day define your value to yourself and others. If all else fails - be your own Valentine. Treat your damn self if you should so choose. Just remember to be thankful for the love in your life, because that's what every day should be about. Not the things, the love and the people who light up your world.
And if you are in a romantic relationship - don't let the day become about gifts and grand gestures. Celebrate each other and the life you're building together.
At the end of the day - Valentine's Day is pretty freaking awesome. A little extra love and cheesy positivity never hurt nobody!