Valentine Schmalentine
Here’s the opinion you didn’t ask for about Valentine’s Day from a girl who hasn’t had a Valentine in years.
Believe it or not, I’m not bitter. I don’t hate Valentine’s day. Do I think it’s a silly holiday? Maybe just a little. You should be showing your partner how much you love and appreciate them everyday and it doesn’t have to cost anything. But, I can’t ignore some of the things I love about this holiday. The color pallete… The beautiful flowers… The fashion… The Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin love songs on repeat… I can’t get enough of those things related to Valentine’s Day.
Here’s the thing, it took me awhile to get to the point of not hating Valentine’s Day. I will admit, I was sad that there were couples out there enjoying a nice dinner and some fine wine while I was at home with my dog avoiding anything to do with love. (Cue the romcoms and ice cream.) My dad has set a pretty high standard and showers my mom with flowers on Valentine’s Day so I longed for the day that I might get surprised with flowers.
But, I slowly started to realize how blessed I was in life and that helps me to love the holiday focused on love. So here’s a short list of things that I’m grateful for that make me feel loved:
Small random things my mom does to help me. Making my bed when I leave in a rush so I can come home to a picked up room. Bringing me a Red Bull at dance when I’m teaching so I can keep up the same level of energy as the seven year olds surrounding me.
Unlikely friendships. Friends who came into my life fast and left even faster but I’ve learned life lessons from. Failed relationship attempts that turned into friendships. Friends that couldn’t be anymore opposite than me and yet have turned out to be my biggest ally – you know who you are.
Kind encouraging words from people in my life who I don’t know very well, but took the time to help build me up.
Coffee in a coffeeshop with someone whose company I truly enjoy.
The support I have from everyone around me when I’m having a bad day.
Seeing the joy from my dance students when they nail a difficult tap sequence or finally get a perfect triple turn.
Meeting with people who want to learn more about what I do professionally because they trust my knowledge.
Waking up to my french press full of coffee, thanks again mom.
Helping someone in their time of need and knowing my help mattered to them.
When someone remembers the right way to spell my name.
And lastly, people in my life that love me and all my flaws.
So if you’re spending Valentine’s Day alone, don’t spend it wallowing in the fact that you’re alone. Think about all the things that make you feel loved or appreciated. Write it down, say it out loud, tell those people you love them. Don’t let this day of love be a day of angst, anger, or sadness. Spend it like any other day, but with a little extra love to feel and share. ♡
