Valentine’s Day And A Choice

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.