The Day of Love As Some Would Call It
February 14, you know what day that is... Valentine's Day.
Growing up, I never truly thought much of this day. To me, it was just another day. However, as I got older I began to dread this day. From seeing my friends post about their significant other online to being smacked in the face with Valentine's candy and gifts every time I'd enter a store, I felt like I was missing out on that young love experience. As a child, watching Disney movies and romcoms, I had always assumed that dating was as simple as it was portrayed on television. However, it wasn't too soon after I entered high school that I realized that this was not the case at all.
When I began high school, I thought that it was just the very beginning of the dating world for me, but I could not be more wrong. In fact, I managed to go all 4 years without talking to a single guy. Now, you're probably thinking, "Wow, that's pretty pathetic," and honestly, I might agree with you on that one. Here's the thing, I used to be so shy back then. Like it was hard to get a word out of me. Looking back, I find it hilarious that despite how quiet I used to be, I still had hopes that I would get asked to prom with a cute and thoughtful promposal. Now that I can say is pathetic.
Coming to college, I really thought that I would get to experience that young love finally. I thought that this is where I would grow out of my shell and finally meet someone that lived up to my standards. Now I have grown tremendously from the quiet girl that I used to be, but that's about it. Sure I've talked to guys for periods of time, but it never went anywhere beyond the "talking stage." I really began to question if I would ever get to be loved by someone in my early years of adulthood.
Now I know I should be grateful to have not had to endure all of the heartbreak that comes with dating young, and I truly am, but at the same time, I still wanted to experience it a little bit. So back to that one day that I used to dread, February 14. Previously, I had always associated this day with showcasing love for your partner, but this year I've begun to realize that this day can represent so much more than just that. This day is supposed to be used to show how much people in your life truly mean to you, not just your significant other if you have one. So despite spending yet another single as a pringle, I'm going to look at this day as a day to celebrate and honor those that I love and maybe, just maybe, one day in the future I will get to add some special person to that group.
I absolutely love this! I think people need to start to understand that Valentine's Day isn't just about your partner. My dad always gets stuff for me and my sister too just to remind us that we are just as important on that day! If anything, take this day for some self love too!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an important message, and it was so beautifully written :) I am so glad to see that others our age are starting to look at Valentine's Day in a different light. I always look forward to "Galentines" celebrations with my friends!
ReplyDeleteI love this for you! I feel like people have created the stigma of being single on Valentine's Day for no reason, it's so much fun to just hang out with your friends and no one should be shamed for that. But I'm positive you'll get to experience that love one day!
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