We all know what February 14th is…the day that some of us love and some of us dread and some of us don’t even believe in it…Valentine’s Day, but whatever our views, it’s a day about love. And red…don’t forget about the red. I looked down the seasonal aisle in Wal-Mart the other day and could not see any other color…it would stink to be colorblind in that aisle.
I think my biggest thing about Valentine’s Day, though, is that it can make some people really hurt and realize how much they miss having someone. I’m not letting myself fall into this trap, but even people that have significant others can feel this way on Valentine’s Day. Maybe the love isn’t the same as it used to be or maybe that person didn’t get what they wanted like a box of chocolates, flowers, a card, or even a proposal. There can be a lot of mixed feelings around this holiday which to me makes this holiday not a very good one for anyone really. I mean when we look at Christmas, there’s real meaning behind that. Thanksgiving, too, as well as Easter and even St. Patrick’s Day. But then we have Valentine’s Day which is named for St. Valentine, but not much is really known about him except that he DIED on February 14th. He died….yeah, let’s celebrate love on someone’s death anniversary, seems a little morbid to me. lol.
But I think that V-day has become a little too commercialized and even forced on us a bit. If we don’t have a Valentine we are automatically sad and we are expected to go out of fancy dates and buy expensive gifts. If we don’t, we could risk losing our significant other because love is something we need to celebrate on this day. Oh really? What about all the other days that could be just as important if not more important. This isn’t just a rant, though, there is a point.
I’m going to be single on Valentine’s Day. Big deal. If there is anything that I have learned over the past two years about love in general is that you first must like yourself before you can have someone else. I’ve struggled with this in the past and it’s not something that is easy to come by I don’t think. But sometimes insecurities about ourselves can really put some tension on our interpersonal relationships with others. If we are unwilling to accept our own flaws, how could be begin to accept the flaws of others as well?
I have never been the type to dream about a fairy tale. I’ve never wanted to think about a wedding or my prince charming because if it happens, it happens. And if it doesn’t, then I’ll continue on as I am now. Yes, the affection and the person to talk to would be nice, but it’s not everything. I have plenty of people including my family and friends that make me happy. I’m not saying I don’t want a person to share that with, because I do, but I’m in no hurry for that to happen. In fact, I may even be a little bit too busy for anyone right now, which I’m okay with. I’m 22, no need to rush things, right? Right.
I joke more about my single status than I maybe should, but to me if you can’t laugh at yourself, then you’re not having any fun. There are times when I’ve been really hurt and thought to myself that no one is ever going to want me, but you know what? I survive, and I accept the fact that maybe I just haven’t found the right person yet. Love can come in some strange places, perfect example is my mom. You never know what God is going to throw your way, it may just change your life for the rest of time for the better. Who knows?
I’ve also had moments in my life where I thought, “I don’t need anyone, I can be just as happy as an independent person.” What’s wrong with that? I look at older people who are single, and I sometimes wonder what they think about their situations. It’s a whole new ball game when you’re over 50 and single, but it’s never too late because I have seen plenty of people get married well into their 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s.
If you’ve found your significant other, I am not down talking to you. I am happy for you, and I wish you the best. I have just come to the conclusion that I need someone who is willing to accept me at my worse. I like in the bible the lines,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
Pretty much the whole passage is great. I want that kind of love. The kind of love that never fails, and I’m fine with waiting for it.
So in all I hope that everyone has a great Valentine’s day. Don’t stress out, don’t get angry, just make the best of it. 🙂