When asked the question, "What is your favorite holiday?", people more than likely will answer with, "Christmas" or "Thanksgiving", with the occasional "Fourth of July", but for me, it has always been Valentine's Day. Yes, the cheesiest holiday, that some wouldn't even consider to be one. I, however, spend my day belting out love songs and dressed in pink and red. According to some, it is the one day where couples have to buy gifts for one another and treat each other right. Most dislike this holiday because these actions should not just happen once every year, but bear with me, and hear the 14 reasons why Valentine's Day is my favorite day out of the other 364.
"Where there is love, there is life."
Chocolate. Okay, who doesn't love chocolate; white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate. It is all delicious. You can get your chocolate fix in almost any way. A cookie, brownie, cake, or even just a simple candy bar. My personal favorite for this holiday however, has to be chocolate covered strawberries.
Love Movies. Possibly the best part of the day. I watch love movies year round, but this is the one day that I can get someone else to watch these movies with me, at least one. From Nicholas Sparks to all the romantic comedies, I love them all. Speaking of, have you seen the previews for The Choice? Late Valentine's movie date, anyone?
Pink and Red. These are my two favorite colors of all time. It makes me so happy seeing Walmart filled with everything pink and red. Everyone tends to wear these colors more often around this day. Because of that, stores usually have a lot of clothing in red and pink, so you know I take full advantage of that.
Words of Affirmation. Who doesn't know their love language? Because you should. There are words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, and physical touch. Mine is words of affirmation, meaning I love to hear someone tell me how great they think I am or just tell me they are happy I'm around. Valentine's day is a time when I hear a lot of affirmation, even if they do feel obligated to tell me because it's February 14th.
Reflection. It's a good time to reflect on your relationships, romantic or platonic. If you're in a relationship, it's a great time to show your significant other how much you care. If you are single, maybe reflect on why? Yeah it's great to be independent and do what you want, but nothing is better than doing life with someone. Friendships should also be celebrated on this day. Reflect on how many great friends you have that support you, and won't let you wallow in the fact that you are single.
History. Valentine’s Day is named in honor of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers who supposedly was murdered on Feb. 14 AD 270. During this time, the Roman emperor Claudius II cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome, because he was struggling to get men to join the military, and he believed married men, being emotionally attached to their wives and families, did not make good soldiers. Valentine secretly married couples until he was caught. He was then beaten to death with clubs and his head was cut off. One legend says he left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter before his death which said “Love from your Valentine,” the first Valentine’s card. It was the Pope who named February 14th a holiday in honor of St. Valentine. Not the most romantic story, but hey it's still interesting.
Love Songs. If you're anything like me on Valentine's Day, then you are probably playing love music for the entire day. From Celine Dion to Ed Sheeran, love songs are sure to be belted out, well at least by me.
Excuse to be cheesy. This holiday is a great excuse to show your more romantic (or cheesy) side. From the pick up lines to making someone a jar full of things you love about them. This seems like the one day it is acceptable. So if you want to write the cheesiest love note or some silly gift, do it. The person you give it to, is sure to appreciate it.
Hearts. Wow, everything is heart shaped. Who doesn't love that? Heart shaped boxes, heart shaped candies, heart shaped cards, heart shaped pizza, and most importantly heart shaped chocolate. My absolute favorite thing about February 14th has to be the Reese's shaped hearts. They just taste so much better than the regular ones. I go through packages of these during this holiday, and I'm not ashamed to say it.
Spend time with loved ones. Everyone has a loved one, no matter who you are. Someone you care for and someone that also cares about you. It is a good day to spend time with them; family, friends, or a significant other. Love is in the air, why not spread it with all of those that you care for?
Hugs. I am so opposed to hugs. They just make me uncomfortable and usually give me anxiety. How am I supposed to know whether I hug over or under your arms? Side hug or full bear hug? That is just too much pressure, so I avoid them altogether. However, this is the one day I just have too much love to not hug everyone and everything.
Hallmark. I sure love me some hallmark movies and cards. Seriously considering applying for a job to direct movies and write cards for a living. Who doesn't love watching a movie where you KNOW they will end up together or reading a card that just makes you smile? I sure do.
Specials. Whether you are going out with a Valentine or hanging with the girls (or bros), you are sure to come upon some good deals. Buy a pizza and get one free, dinner for two for only $19.99, or all the good shopping specials to get a gift for someone, maybe even yourself.
Half priced chocolate. You can hate all thirteen reasons I have given for loving this holiday (maybe a little too much), but you cannot say that getting the half priced chocolate the day after Valentine's Day is not fantastic. If you're looking for me, you know where I'll be February 15th.
"All you need is love, but a little chocolate every now and then never hurt."
But the most impacting reason why I love Valentine's Day so much is because I haven't really seen it as a holiday that was exclusively for couples. I think too often, people view it as a romantic holiday instead of a holiday for everyone. For me, Valentine's Day is a celebration of all kinds of love; romantic love, platonic love, love for your family and friends, and also love for yourself. It's a day to look around at just how many people there are in your life who love you, and appreciate them for all that they do for you. It is also a day to appreciate everything that is great about yourself and what makes you worth loving.
While I've always had this outlook on February 14th, I can't lie and say that my romantic life has been peachy keen. I have spent many Valentine's days either heads-over-heels for a guy who didn't like me, getting over a breakup, happily with someone, or as single as they come. I have spent this day in about every way possible, and I still love it so much that I want to cry every time it comes to an end. It's a time where all of the heartache and stress fades away (probably because of the Reese's hearts) and I stop worrying about the parts of my life where I am not loved, and remember of all the places where I am. Even though I'm not in love, I know I am always loved. Realizing that, has made this holiday all the more wonderful. As well as stuffing myself with chocolate. Some things will never change no matter hard we try (sorry New Years resolution).
P.S. Will you be my Valentine?
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