Valentine’s Day: a holiday of love, celebration of companionship and a day for couples to show their appreciation for one another.
For most, it’s a reason to get their partners chocolates, kisses and a plethora of other meaningful gifts that say “I love you.”
For others, Valentine’s Day feels like a cruel joke. For those who do not have a partner, the holiday seems like a crippling reminder that they can’t receive the same affection as other happy pairs.
Some, maybe not so much. After all, some people choose to be single, and that’s okay. Regardless of circumstance, Valentine’s Day is seemingly unfair to anyone who’s single. Or is it?
Is it possible for someone not in a romantic relationship to still celebrate the holiday? If so, what could they do?
Megan Boppart, a second-year film major, shared that she does not have a Valentine this year, but that’s not stopping her from celebrating in her own way.
“My best friend, who lives in Chicago, will be in town during Valentine’s Day, so we made plans to hang out,” Boppart said. “If I wasn’t hanging out with her, I would probably make plans with other friends to ‘celebrate’.”
Friends are a great way to spend the holiday. If you can’t find love in a traditional sense, love from your closest friends is equally as important.
Angelo David, a sophomore majoring in film, is in a long distance relationship but said that the holiday celebrates more than just romantic love.
“Valentine’s Day is all about love and affection and self-love is important,” Angelo said. “Love comes in all forms. People can spend the day with their parents, their friends, children, pets, colleagues and anyone they feel affectionate towards.”
Love comes in all types, and anyone not in a romantic relationship shouldn’t feel excluded from receiving the affection they deserve.
