The Importance of Valentine's Day
We've been together for five years. We have a baby…so why does the world make me feel silly for wanting a Valentine’s Day gift?
Valentines always spurs on a debate. It’s a day people love to hate. But, the thing is, I love Valentine’s Day. That doesn't mean I want extravagance or lavish gifts, but should I feel small for admitting that, yes, in fact, I would like some flowers on February 14th?
For some people, it’s a day of celebration; the perfect excuse to show someone how much you love them - whether that be your best mates or your partner. For others, it’s just a bit of a crap day; a day that either pressures them into buying stuff, or that makes them feel, well, a little bit lonely. But, if you ask me, Valentine’s is a day that exists for everyone - it is about celebrating and acknowledging love, and it doesn’t matter what type of love it is; love is love.
When I was growing up, I would see my Mum and Dad’s Valentine’s Day cards and I always remember wanting one, so I would go and make them a card of my own. It makes me think, Valentine's Day can and should be a beautiful day. The problem is that nowadays we, as a society, put too much materialistic pressure on Valentine’s Day when there are so many other ways you can show that you love someone - without breaking the bank. I asked my Mum for her perspective on Valentine’s Day and she said, “Valentine's Day is lovely and it is nice to celebrate if you can’’. Simple when you think of it like that really.
Do not get me wrong, I love a bunch of flowers as much as the next girl, but I do understand the discomfort that people feel. Nearly five years and a baby into my relationship, I am finding myself questioning what I want when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I haven't felt the need to make sure I'm not working, I haven't felt the need to ask what we're doing or encourage plans. Simply because I feel like it has just become so materialistic. But I do know I still like the day to be acknowledged - just not in the way social media will have us believe.
Afterall, my social media recently is filled with videos and pictures of extravagant Valentine’s celebrations with balloons, rose petals, and confetti. Sure, it may be nice. But is it needed? What happened to appreciating the simple things in life, like a card with a loving message or simply spending the day together?
I remember mine and my partner's first Valentine’s Day; it was so special to me. He is a man of not so many words, and not a lover of cards, so the fact that he took the time to write something special and meaningful meant the world to me. Even if we did get each other the same generic COVID-19 (lockdown) card that was circulating at the time.
People feel so much vitriol when it comes to the day, but, the way I see it, it is just an extra opportunity, an extra nudge, to remember to do something kind for the people you love. Yes, you absolutely should do this 365 days a year - but life is busy, and sometimes Romance (with a capital ‘R’) or little acts of kindness, can be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life. So why not embrace the day? Banish the commercial parts of the day that you hate, and leap into the better parts.
So, after all of that, where did we get to on where we stand with Valentine’s? I think the message is clear really. All love should be celebrated, whether it be platonic or romantic. It can and should be celebrated every day of the year and it doesn’t have to be on February 14th…but maybe it could be? And maybe this February 14th could be the perfect excuse you need to do something small - and just a little bit magical.
Written by Georgia Clarke
My name is Georgia Clarke and I am 23 years old. I am a first time mum to a little 1 year old. I currently work as a healthcare professional but enjoy writing on the side. I enjoy writing pieces that can help people in different ways whether it be physically or emotionally.
