Every year around February 14, many places around the world begin to decorate with hearts, x, and o’s, and other symbols intended to represent love. Similarly, when people think of Valentine’s Day, many of their immediate thoughts spur towards planning extravagant gestures to show their “valentine” how much they mean to them. Many often plan in advance how to show their partners their dedication to the relationship through Valentine’s Day-related action. This is heartfelt, but why does this have to happen on Valentine’s Day only?
Valentine’s Day, while created to commemorate St. Valentine, is designed to be a day of recognition of love for others that exists not only on Valentine’s Day but year-round. In today’s world, however, Valentine’s Day has instead become one of the only days of the year when people put in a sufficient amount of romantic effort towards their partner. So instead of being a day for celebrating, Valentine’s Day becomes a day in which one recognizes that their partner slacks for the majority of the year. Instead of waiting until Valentine’s Day to express affection, those in relationships should go outside of their comfort zone for their partners every day.
For example, many people plan a special date night for themselves and their significant other either on or near Valentine’s Day. While this is still very nice and should be done in order to celebrate the holiday, traditional dates not involving technology or online communication should happen more frequently than many modern couples actually take part in. Sources such as www.cratedwithlove.com show that nearly half of American couples state that they do not engage in consistent date nights and only 18% of those who do have one go out at least once a month. Traditional date nights allow for an escape from life’s daily stressors and provide quality bonding time, and are therefore essential for a healthy relationship. Planning a date night for one’s significant other is a selfless act that shows their partner how much they value quality time. It’s important to prioritize this not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the year.
Another common Valentine’s Day tradition is the trading of chocolates, candy, and flowers sometimes in addition to other larger presents. Couples should indeed exchange presents with one another to acknowledge the significance of Valentine’s Day, but like quality time, gift-giving on Valentine’s Day is meant to remember all of the ways one gifted their significant other throughout the past year. Giving regular “just because” presents to one’s special someone is an action that should occur more often. This was described by senior Naomi Klaserner when she stated that “small gifts and gestures every now and then within a relationship show a person that their partner genuinely cares and thinks about them not only when it’s deemed as required, like on Valentine’s Day.” Everyday presents do not necessarily have to be physical items that are bought, which is what many give to one another on Valentine’s Day. “Just because” presents could be something that doesn’t cost a penny, such as a handwritten love letter or a homemade dinner with supplies already previously purchased. Expressions of affection are essential to healthy relationships on Valentine’s Day, but also on the other three hundred sixty-four days as well.
In an era where the world has been consumed by electronics and technology, it’s important not to allow personal interaction efforts within relationships to be compromised. Valentine’s Day, while it is a celebration of love and romance, should not be designated as the only day of the year where traditional chivalry and romance are demonstrated. Sharing chocolates, roses, and Valentine’s cards stamped with hearts and Cupid figurines is all good, but the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is the recognition of love and romance already present in a relationship. Therefore, in order to keep the love from fading, the importance of everyday effort is crucial. Kindness and generosity are free, and showing another that one cares- especially in a romantic relationship- is essential all of the time, not just on Valentine’s Day. Romance is an ongoing commitment, and Valentine’s Day should be viewed as a day of appreciation, not as a task.
