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There’s a lot of Valentine’s Day critics out there. And on February 14, I think it’s more popular to be against the holiday, than for it. I have so many friends that shudder at the sight of pink frosted cookies and bouquets of roses. When aisles in the grocery store get draped with pink streamers and sugary treats, people go into defense-mode. Making yourself, and others, miserable on this day is completely unnecessary.
CUI's Mary Rochelle writes on how to enjoy and make the most of being single on Valentine's Day. (Cu Independent/Amy Leder)
Valentine’s Day is so much more than an occasion for sweethearts to make goober faces in public. It is a chance to celebrate all the relationships in your life.
So maybe you don’t have a significant other this year — so what? The only reason I’d feel bad for anyone on Valentine’s Day is if they literally have no one in their life to love.
This Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate your mother, your best friend or your dog! Celebrate your weird, but funny, chemistry partner who always asks if he smells like cadavers. Celebrate the people who make your life better by being in it.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines love as “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties.” It can be romantic, platonic or religious love. It doesn’t matter who or what you love, just celebrate that you have them in your life.
CUI's Mary Rochelle. (CU Independent/David Zimmerman)
Make cards for people, tell them you appreciate them. Eat cake, for God’s sake. How could anyone be unhappy on a day that entails giving and receiving warm fuzzies, all while gorging yourself on sweets?
Freshman year of college, I broke up with my high school sweetheart who, at the time, I believed was the love of my life (boy was I wrong). I was heartbroken and everyone that knew me could see it. But Valentine’s Day rolled around, and I found reason to celebrate. I was single and hurt, but I had so much else going for me. I spent the day with my awesome sisters, mom and dad. I mailed cards to all my high school friends and was thrilled when I got their replies. I had a damn good reason to order a dozen Boulder Baked cookies. Valentine’s Day for a newly-single girl? It rocked.
So, if you are a habitual Valentine’s hater, get over it. You are letting yourself wallow in self-pity when really, this day is about adoring those around you.
Contact CU Independent Opinion Editor Mary Rochelle at Mary.Rochelle@colorado.edu.
