If I’m being honest, Valentine’s Day and Groundhog’s Day are tied for first for the most pointless holidays. We literally broadcast a groundhog-whose name is Punxsutawney Phil, which I just learned around a week ago, might I add- looking at his shadow on national television to see if winter will last longer. That’s besides the point though. 

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and mushy nicknames and kissy-face fealty. The thing is though, the entire day, you’re either in a relationship and getting spoiled or you’re going through a “self-love” phase. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but celebrating being boo’d up on a random day in February versus celebrating yourself completely takes away from the ‘love’ in self-love. You’re honoring yourself because there isn’t anyone to do it for you. As harsh as it sounds, it’s true. 

Maybe it is the history of “the 14th” that justifies this…

Or maybe not. From Feb. 13-15, the feast of Lupercalia was a Roman celebration where men would sacrifice a goat and a dog-and then whip women with the hides of the animals they had just slain. Romantic, right? Maybe it wasn’t that, and it was the death of two men with the name Valentine at the hands of ancient Roman Emperor Claudius II. Both beheaded and both a far stretch from why we celebrate this day.

I’m not saying that it isn’t nice to feel appreciated by a significant other, because it is. Receiving the occasional flowers or a cute handwritten note is always something that makes the butterflies in my stomach flutter. But Valentine’s Day makes this an obligation. It becomes a bouquet of flowers because he has to, or a letter with candy because she knows he is expecting something in return. If you want to celebrate your love for someone, use your anniversary. That is a specific day specific to your relationship. 

And what about the single people? The entire day is just a reminder of that title. A lot of times, it is an insecurity. It doesn’t matter what social media platform you’re on, cute couple pictures will be everywhere and some corny hashtag will be trending. Let alone, stores decorate and advertise for Valentine’s Day right after the new year. That leaves over a month of constant reminders that yes, you are still single, and yes, this day still exists. 

Yes, I understand that not everyone who is celebrating is in a relationship, and not everyone in a relationship is celebrating; there is Galentine’s Day and school parties where little kids pass out cards with candy to their classmates. But according to the National Retail Federation, all of these festivities are projected to cost around $27.4 billion, 37 percent higher than last year. 

Again, there is nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate this day with your other half, but it should be a day to commemorate everyone and their cultures. It shouldn’t be a specific day with a specific title and a specific way to celebrate. We spend too much time trying to put meaning behind everything when, in reality, everyone deserves to feel loved and noticed year round, not just for one day. Happy “Valentine’s Day.” 

Sincerely, 

Yours truly.