Tags

, , , , ,

Being in a relationship is hard. It takes work, a LOT of work, but in the end it is all for the benefit of being together. When you see happy couples out there, it does not mean that they have no relationship issues. It just means that they are able to get around them and still be together. Being with someone that you care about makes a huge difference than just being with someone to have someone.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, boyfriends, girlfriends, crushes, etc. are expected to go above and beyond. This year I say ditch the Hallmark traditions and enjoy the day together. It’s not the time of year to start showing your love; it’s the time of year to celebrate it. If this day represents the only time of year that you receive flowers and presents and love from your partner then it’s high time that you reconsider the relationship you are in. However, I see this holiday as a day to reach out to your partner and remind them that you appreciate them and in turn celebrate your relationship together. It doesn’t mean that you need to spend hundreds of dollars, buy expensive and beautiful diamonds (but I wouldn’t not accept them lol), or just go all out. To me, Valentine’s Day means spend time with the people you most care about and love. I am sucker for some things Hallmark, i.e. the chocolate, candy, flowers, and hearts! If you’re in a relationship, why not drop all the expectations and pressures and just do something you take advantage of normally, like going on a hike (if it’s not raining) or stay in and cuddle up with a movie, blankets, and hot chocolate (if it is raining). There are thousands of less expensive things to do. If a special meal IS important, then cook dinner together at home or go to a local restaurant that you can get dressed up for. Don’t get mad at your partner if they do not meet every expectation that you have. Valentine’s Day is not about having the perfect love or going on the perfect date. If you haven’t learned to appreciate each other by now, then it’s time you start trying or get out of the relationship.

If you’re single, Valentine’s Day is NOT a day to get depressed that you are not with someone. Hang out with the people you care about most: your mom, your girlfriends, your siblings, and your dog! Have a movie night and sleepover with your friends; go out to dinner and toast each other; spend all day gossiping with your sister and the latest Kim Kardashian show!  There is not only one type of love, just like there are many types of relationships. Tomorrow, take the time to make one of your relationships stronger. Remind the people you love that you care about them without expecting anything in return.

Valentine’s Day has always been mine favorite holiday. To me, it’s a day full of miracles and love. I used to get Valentine’s goodie bags for all of my friends consisting of mini Tabascobottles, sweetheart candies, chocolate, and will you be mine valentine? cards. One year, knew I was having a bad week and that I LOVE chocolate. He met me at my locker in between my classes and gave me a bag of Hershey’s milk chocolate kisses and told me “Just because.” Minus the calories, that was such a thoughtful gift and really made my day.

The year before that, a guy I had a crush on and I thought saw me as his little sister, came up to me during break and gave me chocolate red lips and asked me if I would like to go to lunch with him. I said yes, and we went to Mamma Mia’s pizza and had an amazing time. Nothing every came of it, and I don’t know if he even liked me back, but it was a really good experience and made me feel special.

My sophomore year of high school, I was spending valentine’s day by going out to lunch with my friends. We were all walking to my car, when I saw a red rose under my windshield wiper. It was completely anonymous and I never found out who left it there. To this day, I’m still curious about it. However, it made me feel amazing, that someone out there thought I was special.

The point is not to brag about my experiences, but to remind you that the small things count and even if you don’t have a crush on someone, being nice is all that matters. Someone noticing your new outfit or bringing an extra piece of chocolate to a coworker or even going out to lunch with a friend, it makes someone feel noticed. Valentine’s Day is just another day to reiterate how much you care about someone. If you have been slacking in the niceness and TLC department, this is a day to step up your game.

  

Valentine's Day by myself in college (probably one of the best v-days ever for me!)

Have a happy valentine’s day!

Let me know if you have any funny, romantic, or random Valentine’s Day stories you want to share… I would love to hear them!