Flowers in full bloom and love is in the air… or so it should be. Valentines Day is a holiday full of anticipation and you guessed it..LOVE. This holiday is exciting for the new budding romances, it’s finally a night out for the married couples, and in some cases it’s a night of sadness for the singles. I would like to share my personal change of view on this holiday and how it has helped me embrace the beauty of it whether single or in a relationship.
Love was never supposed to be narrowed into only romantic relationships. Do we not love our families and our friends? Friendship is a key in honing in on aspects of love. As C.S. Lewis states:
“…The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others.”
I have been challenged to accept the fact that this holiday is for LOVE not just romance. I love my friends dearly and I wouldn't be able to do life well without each and every one of them. I instead choose this holiday to make sure all my friends feel LOVED and cherished. We had it all figured out in elementary school where everyone got a card/candy for the whole class, we all felt loved and desired back then what happened? I fear Valentine’s Day has gotten the best of us, but it’s not too late to change that.
Yes, I am speaking to you as a single woman who has lived the life of romantic dreams and unrealistic exception. I hope this reaches all my single ladies before the big day. I too have experienced the pain of relationships gone by and the disappointment of being single. I allow myself to feel the pain, express it to my close friends and move forward. It’s ok to feel pain (have your moment), but don’t give up. Being single doesn’t have to be a bad or lonely thing. Instead let’s focus our attention on the people around us. I will invest in those who are here now, those who matter. You see if we dare to take our eyes off ourselves for this one night we will actually have fun. I urge you not to let this lovely day slip through your fingertips in fear of feeling shame for being single. One day you will look back on these days with your friends and realize how beautiful they were.
Now for some real talk on how to make this night go smoothly for everyone. I honestly feel bad for men on this day. I have seen so many guys try to do what they think is right but we undoubtedly have a movie playing in our minds that he has no chance to meet these expectations. Men, if you're reading this don't give up. I think it’s important to have an element of surprise but communication in relationships is key. Ladies tell your men what you have in mind, give him some help. Don’t worry he can still surprise you with things but he also needs a chance to meet your expectations. Men don't be scared to ask her exceptions she has for the day.
I’m tired of this day ending with failure to live up to exceptions and in more disappointment than success. Lets get back to the true meaning of LOVE (intense feeling of deep affection) for those who matter the most. Let’s make this a day so full of love and happiness for the people in our lives single, dating, or married. This day is for everyone.
Helpful HINTS: Not sure what to do? Plan a galantines day. Get your ladies together go to your favorite restaurant then to a friends house for games and dessert. As for my friends and I this year we have planned a party full of surprises. The possibilities are endless please don't spend this night alone because you are sad about being single.
So get out those dresses dust off those heals off, make yourself feel beautiful and take on Valentines Day like its the best holiday of the year. Check out my Valentine’s Day in Style
xx Brooke