Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Do you get/receive presents, flowers, cards, sweet treats or go out for dinner? Or do you think Valentine’s Day is over-rated? Maybe you don’t have or want a special someone currently.
I think the idea of Valentine’s Day is great. However, I do not like how society, as a whole, pressures us to do/buy things on a particular day. For me, showing my person/partner how much they mean to me should be throughout the entire year. Not just a specific day or date. I know there are a lot of people out there who say that you should be wary if your significant other buys you random gifts because it could be a sign of guilt. While that may be true, I choose not to live that way.
I once read a book that talked about how we all express and feel a combination of five different love languages. Not romantic love but the type of love/friendship that fills up our emotional tank. From what I can remember, there are five: Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, Quality Time, Physical Touch (think more platonic like a hand on your shoulder), and Words of Affirmation. I also found it interesting that how you receive/feel this type of love can be different than the way you show someone else that kind of love. Let me give you an example: I enjoy receiving gifts. I do not care about the value of the gift. What I do care about is the thought that went into the gift. It doesn’t matter if it cost $0.25 or $25. However, receiving a gift is not what makes me feel special or loved. What makes me feel special or loved is spending quality time with someone. How do I show people I care about them? For me it is Acts of Service. Doing something
for my partner or a friend that they would normally do without being asked just because I know it will make their day.
So, this Valentine’s Day, I hope you spend it with those who mean the most to you. If you aren’t able to, then I hope you can show those around you how much you appreciate and care for them.