Season's Greetings: Experiencing Valentine's Day as a Single Girl
Original Post Date: February 13, 2024
“However, I can’t agree with distasteful emotions when they result in a desire to skip the actual holiday.
I could be annoyed, lonely, sad, or frustrated in the 13 days leading up to the 14th, but all that diffuses on the day of.”
I originally planned to post a mini letter, on Instagram, to celebrate Valentine's Day. When I sat down to write, more words poured out than expected.
Today is the first time I’m giving you all a glimpse into my life as a single girl. It was a title I prolonged adopting, but now I live confidently in it. Many thoughts and emotions characterize singleness, but misery isn’t one. Having said that, Valentine’s Day can make for a complicated season, and I want to share its ebbs and flows.
I can understand those who complain about Valentine’s Day to an extent.
I see how aggravation grows amongst romantic propaganda when you’re single.
Even I’ve felt guilty for aggressively swiping past TikToks like “Build a Valentine’s Day basket for my man”.
I’m satisfied with being single and working on my security daily, but I’m still human.
We’ve come a long way to include all types of love on the 14th of February, but let’s not pretend Galentine’s Day is a universally accepted concept. Men and women, alike, see it as an opportunity for misery to convene.
In the story we’re told, Cupid, the holiday’s mascot, isn’t aiming for your friends. He’s aiming for your crush.
I was reminded of that narrative when I saw a tweet that said something like: whoever removed the 30th and 31st from February come get the 14th too.
The (I’m assuming) single tweeter's frustration most likely came from the concentration on love that fills stores, conversations, and social media for an entire month. Hence the expression of her annoyance via Twitter.
Cardboard cupids hanging from store ceilings and “Every Kiss Begins Kay” playing on repeat are overwhelming marketing tactics.
However, I can’t agree with distasteful emotions when they result in a desire to skip the actual holiday.
I could be annoyed, lonely, sad, or frustrated in the 13 days leading up to the 14th, but all that diffuses on the day of. I say diffuse because even those few weeks aren’t solely consumed with negativity, as I smile at the cute trinkets and get in the baking mood to prepare treats for loved ones.
Despite this rollercoaster of emotions, when I open my eyes on Valentine’s Day, I know that it’ll go beautifully.
It’s a day to be showered in love and celebrate its display. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by ample platonic love, and I know I won’t be forgotten. Even 300 miles away, my family reminds me of their adoration
Celebrating romantic love may seem impossible when not embodied in your life.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to know more people who get to practice healthy, authentic love. There are days that my heartstrings get tugged, and I question why I’m not in that position. But cold bitterness is overcome by heart warmth and reassurance, as examples of images of true romance replace toxic ideals.
Opening your eyes to new perspectives highlights how many emotions are only one side of the coin. If we approach love holistically, we can honor its presence wherever we see it.
So when I wake up on February 14th, no tissue box will be in sight, and you won’t find a mug on my face. Platonic love will comfort me and romantic love will inspire me. It’ll be a day of joy and laughter dedicated to my many valentines
With love,
Allie
