Valentine’s Day is often seen as a holiday exclusively for couples. However, this perception is limiting. Valentine’s Day should not be confined to only those in a romantic relationship but be viewed as a celebration of love in all its forms. Whether that means you celebrate with friends, family, or even, yourself. 

Love isn’t strictly just for those in a relationship. Love is a bond between two people who care for each other deeply. Valentine’s day can be a wonderful occasion to express unconditional love for everyone, not just a significant other. 

Even if you have no family or friends, you can celebrate the love you have for yourself. You don’t need someone in your life to love yourself: self love comes from deep within. As American performer RuPaul says, “If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” Valentine’s Day, for those who are completely solo, can serve as a reminder to practice self-love and self-care.

Valentine’s Day as solely a romantic holiday can be isolating to those who are single, widowed, or simply uninterested in romantic relationships. Instead of holding onto feelings of loneliness, Valentine’s Day should be reframed as a universal celebration of love in all its diverse expressions.

Communities can all contribute to making Valentine’s day welcoming for everyone by organizing community potlucks for those who are alone on Valentine’s day. Schools and workplaces can anonymously pass around notes filled with kind words or small, token exchanges to make sure everyone feels included.

Including others is a marvelous way to make this holiday for everyone. Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity to give back to your fellow citizens by showing kindness to those who feel isolated or unwanted. Expanding the holiday’s purpose beyond partner-based relationships can create a more compassionate and connected society.

Overall, Valentine’s Day should not be seen as a day solely for couples but as a broader celebration of love for all. By shifting the focus from exclusively to inclusivity, Valentine’s Day can transform into a day that brings people together. Love is not strictly for romantic relationships: it is a universal feeling that everyone deserves to celebrate.

READ COUNTER POINT HERE