A Fresh Take on Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day not just for romance, but for experiencing love with those closest to you

By: Hannah Sanderman

It’s no surprise Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching with all the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates filling up store shelves and bouquets of red roses popping up everywhere.

However, those chocolates and roses don’t have to be just for your significant other.

Many people jump to the conclusion Valentine’s Day is strictly for people who are in a romantic relationship, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Valentine’s is the holiday all about love, a fact that tends to be overlooked, and there are so many different kinds of love.

The love you have for your best friends who embrace all that you are, cheer you on and tell you what you need to hear. The love you have for your family who is always there for you, patient with you when you don’t deserve it and love you no matter what. The love you should have for yourself, even though loving yourself proves to be a challenge most days.

Love can be scary at times. Putting yourself out there, sharing what you hold so close to heart and being vulnerable is downright terrifying.

No matter how scary it might seem, it’s always worth it.

You have no clue what the future has in store. All you know is right now, and if you feel the little nudge in your heart to tell someone you love them, do it. You will not regret it for a second.

Love comes and goes, whether you like it or not. Your best friend right now, might not be your best friend in two years. You could met the love your life next month.

You never know, and that is why love is so beautiful. You never know when a stranger will become your best friend. You never know when you first meet someone how long they’ll be in your life and how they will affect you.

Focus on love this Valentine’s Day, and remember to spread the love all year round.

If your best friend had a tough week and loves chocolate, buy her a box.  If you remember your mom telling you how much she loves flowers, get her a bouquet. If you’ve had your eye on something for months and still haven’t convinced yourself you need it, treat yourself.

If you have a special someone, think about why they are so special to you and write him or her a note. If your sister looks like she needs a hug, give her one.

If you love someone, tell them.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Where there is love, there is life.”

What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?

“Valentine’s Day to me means a day full of love and happiness sharing it with people that are close to you. Also it’s a day to chow down on candy.”

—Sophomore Joel Ochoa

“To me, Valentine’s Day is a good day to be thankful for the friends, family, teachers and coaches in my life that impact me and do a lot to make me into a better person. I am surrounded with so many positive wonderful humans, and V-Day gives me a chance to return the love they have invested into me and to show my appreciation.”

—Junior Summer Pieters

“For me, Valentine’s Day is a day where you and your significant other, if you have one, spend the day together to show that you care for each other and to show how much you love each other.”

—Senior Tyler Korte

“Valentine’s Day is a day that reminds me to say “I love you” to everyone that I love. I usually give out some extra hugs, and I do enjoy watching others taking time out for and/or doing special things for their loved ones. In general, however, I am not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. I think is an overrated and over-commercialized day. I prefer not having a holiday where my husband feels obligated to get me something, like overpriced flowers or chocolate. Not that I don’t love both. I much prefer random acts of kindness, spontaneous gifts or unexpected ‘romantic’ moments any other day of the year.”

-—Science teacher Mrs. Hand

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