I have to admit: I used to HATE Valentine's Day. Yes, even when I wasn't single. I was one of those people; "You know the only reason we have this holiday is for people to spend money so Corporate America can continue to feed capitalism." #boo If you're one of those people too, hear me out.
I woke up this morning and thought, "Wednesday. Hump Day. Here we go." Then I looked at the date on my phone and realized it was here: Valentine's Day. I was in a serious relationship for six years; he did the typical chocolates and card every year and it just became meaningless. Expected. Boring. (Especially since this is the only time he did it.) He felt he needed to do it. So, that's not a good feeling for either party; he thought I was waiting for it and I felt like it was forced.
After I got ready and headed into work, that's when it all started: flowers and chocolates atop every IKEA desk in the office. I'm not going to lie; I gagged a little... and then I was bummed for, like, a second because I don't have someone special to send me dumb flowers or stupid chocolates. But then I remembered I have so much more; I have friends and family who show me they love me 365 days a year, a beautiful fairy goddaughter who lights up my life, a dance studio full of kids with talent and heart who look up to me, and the ability to live independently while being a positive and ambitious person. #boom
Don't get me wrong; I am so excited for that special person to come into my life. I can't wait for the butterflies, the nervousness on the first date, the smiles when I hear his voice. Maybe then, he will show his affection more than once a year. Maybe he will write me little notes to tell me he loves me. Maybe he'll call me randomly and tell me to go outside to find a surprise. Maybe he'll find the perfect camping spot when he's out driving with his friends and take me there for a weekend. Maybe he'll send me dumb flowers and stupid chocolates on Valentine's Day.
On the flip side, maybe he won't.
So many people have a hard time expressing their emotions, not because they don't want to but because they don't know how.
Have you ever found the perfect meme or gif or card (depending on your generation #lol) that sums up exactly how you're feeling? Can you imagine where we would be if no one shared their ideas? For example, my friend Jenn posted on Facebook today that her boyfriend wasn't able to spend Valentine's with her so he sent her a gift each day leading up to it: Monday was cupcakes and flowers, Tuesday was balloon and chocolates, and Wednesday was a "perfectly large cliche of a dozen red roses." #socute
Then my neice's husband bought bouquets for her and their two daughters. #precious
So, before you say you hate Valentine's Day, you think it's stupid that people spend money on this day, or people should just let everyone know how much they are loved all the time, remember the feeling you have when you can't find the words, the meme or the gif to share. Sometimes we need to be inspired to truly express how we are feeling.
Valentine's Day is the opportunity to express yourself. Sure, companies make money on the holiday but you complaining about it isn't going to change that. Sure, some people only participate because they feel they have to but don't let that ruin it for the rest of us.
Why hate on others' happiness? Let someone be happy about the dumb flowers. Let someone feel special because they received a card from their significant other.
Life is too short to complain about everything. Just love.
Cheers.
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