They say Valentine's Day is the day for lovers. That is all well and good if you have a lover you like. Otherwise, the day can be a bust. Too often the expectations of flowers, chocolate and a romantic dinner go unfulfilled. A day that celebrates love should not be a disappointment for so many. Perhaps we need to reframe what Valentine's Day is all about.
I think Valentine's Day can be expanded to embrace all those who love life and hope that our tomorrows will be better than today. Why not tell that special girlfriend, brother or neighbor that you love them and give thanks for them being in your life? An unexpected gift on this day will express just how much you value friendships. It is no surprise that friendships often outlast our romantic relationships.
Also, the best way to get back at our enemies is to love them and give them what they need. Hearts of stone can turn to hearts of flesh with the smallest gesture of kindness. Our detractors do not expect us to be kind or really listen to them. Yet when we hear stories from those who bristle at us, we often hear words of pain, sorrow and fear that have nothing to do with us. Love can win over our staunchest enemy.
Love is the most beautiful feeling in this world, the feeling that makes everything around you seem much more beautiful than it really is. Though love should be celebrated each and every moment of your life, the hectic schedule of today's world hardly leaves time for that. Probably, this is why Valentine's Day came into being, a day which we devote to the people we love. Though this day has specifically been related to the 'better half' of your life, it does not mean that you cannot celebrate it with your 'other' loved ones. In fact, Valentine's Day is the day for expressing your feeling towards all those you love, be it your partner, parents, sibling or friends.
And yes, I did get something for my significant other. And I had to specially look for a card that does not say "Happy Valentine's Day" because we are not supposed to celebrate it. But I still wanted her to feel special on this day and I did not want her to go back home empty-handed while other gals carried roses, chocolates or gifts. I may not be romantic enough but I know what being insensitive is.
No matter what, love is not about finding someone you can live with. It is about finding someone you can't live without. So Syg, if you read this post, I want you to know that I have always loved you, I still love you, and I will always love you.
