There are two different kinds of holidays out there. There are holidays like Christmas, which almost everybody seems to love whether or not they celebrate it. Then there are holidays like Valentine’s Day, where everyone just wants to be the Grinch.
Last night, I was talking to a couple of my friends about our plans for Valentine’s Day. One of them pessimistically described how she was going to spend her day “crawled up in a ball eating chocolate and crying because I’m single.” She later went on to tell us this is going to be her first Valentine’s Day as a single girl in six years.
It’s easy to tell why people get so worked up about Valentine’s Day. Not everyone is always in a relationship. So when there is a day dedicated to celebrating love, people can feel lonely and jealous of those who are in a relationship.
On the other hand, I don’t think those are good enough reasons to hate this holiday. As someone who has never celebrated a Valentine’s Day with a significant other, I’d like to shed some light on how it really doesn’t suck.
**1. It’s just another day.**
If you choose to ignore it, it shouldn’t bother you. Sure, some people might be wearing red or pink and carrying around flowers or chocolates. But at least it’s not as in-your-face as a holiday like the Fourth of July. If you don’t want to celebrate it, by all means, you do not have to.
**2. Love exists outside of monogamous relationships.**
Valentine’s Day was created to celebrate love, which makes it all the more ironic that people truly hate this holiday. You can find love in your life from so many different places, not just in a relationship. If you really want to feel it, remember to tell your family and friends that you love them. Don’t take for granted the loving relationships you have, even if they’re not romantic.
**3. Chocolate candy sales.**
Who doesn’t like candy? Or better yet, who doesn’t like chocolate? Just because you’re no longer in elementary school and aren’t receiving tons of Fun Dip and Hershey’s Kisses doesn’t mean you can’t go get it for yourself! There are always specials on candy and chocolate during a holiday like Valentine’s Day, and there’s no shame in taking advantage of them.
**4. It’s a holiday — a reason to celebrate in whatever way.**
I don’t know about you, but I like to find a way to celebrate any holiday that comes about. I still forget why we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wear green and eat some corned beef and cabbage.
**5. Hating it makes you look basic.**
If you’re one to hate Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone. It almost feels like more people hate it than like it. But honestly, we get it. You’re single. You don’t have to post a picture of you and your dog with the caption, “My one and only true bae.”
**6. Excuse to watch cheesy rom-coms.**
I like to think watching people who are in love is a substitute for actually being in love on Valentine’s Day. Good thing “Fifty Shades of Grey” is coming out this year.
**7. Cupid.**
Because who doesn’t love a baby with a bow and arrow?
