Fatimah

As mawkish as this sounds, I love Valentine’s Day! Whenever I’ve told people this, I’m met with, “Well, that’s only because you have a boyfriend.” 

Fair enough, I suppose, but here’s the thing: I have always liked Valentine’s Day, even when I was single. I think I like what the day represents aside from heart-shaped confectionery or capitalistic cutesiness. It’s simply a day to celebrate the love that exists in my life, in all forms. 

Back in high school, when I was single, I usually spent Valentine’s Day with my best friend, Alex. I really have to give her credit for adding so much sentimental value to such a saccharine holiday. No matter what we did, whether it was going to the movies or dining out with her family at Applebee’s, I just loved the fact that I could spend the day with one of my favorite people. 

Did I still feel lonely then? Of course, I did – I still yearned for someone to bring me roses and chocolates or have a secret admirer keep me on my toes through anonymous love letters. At the time, I never had a partner before, so I ached to know what it felt like to have someone be romantically into you. But, I think I realized how much platonic love impacted my life that I didn’t miss the romantic could-be’s on Valentine’s Day. To me, that’s a good sign of maturity. 

Now that I’m in a nearly two-year relationship, I can say that I appreciate the day just as I always have. There is the slight pressure to do something super smaltzy and romantic with your partner, but thankfully, my boyfriend and I keep reasonable expectations for what we do. Because Valentine’s Day is between his birthday and our anniversary, we tend to leave the bigger gifts and daytrips for our anniversary, which I prefer. Honestly, just watching one of the Muppets movies and a Valentine’s dinner at Clewell is enough for me. 

And, yes, I still make time for Galentine’s Day adventures with my best friend! Even if we don’t go all out due to our vastly different schedules, I’m beyond grateful that we can make time for each other. She’s the person who helped me find new meaning in a seemingly couples-only day by showing me the importance of platonic love. 

No matter my relationship status, I will always be a valiant defender of Valentine’s Day. I think singing the praises of a day dedicated to the art of love just comes naturally to me. As stated eloquently by the late bell hooks, “ When we love, we can let our hearts speak.”

Liz

I mention this in my Kameenian Korner, but my perceptions on Valentine’s Day depend on whether I have a partner or not, I’ll be honest. 

But, turning a new light on it, I do want to take the time to shout out the amazing things people have done for me in the past that showcase the importance of relationships beyond partnerhood. 

When I was going through a break-up in 8th grade, and I was newly single, my mom bought me a huge teddy bear, roses, and a Valentine’s Day balloon. I hated Valentine’s Day up until that point in the day, but once I saw what she did for me, I almost cried. 

Love exists everywhere, even if you feel lonely. I’ve had teachers, professors, faculty, and friends be there for me in my time of need more than any partner I’ve had. Especially after my father passed away in high school. I don’t think I would be half the person I am today without the help of my amazing teachers at that point, who saw the best in me, even if I wasn’t acting it at the time. 

If you’re single this upcoming Feb. 14, go show some appreciation for those in your life who may not fill the romantic role, but still take care of you. 

Yes, Valentine’s Day has been taken over by companies and consumerism, but that doesn’t mean you have to fall victim to that. I don’t even like chocolate, so if my partner got me a cliché box of them, it would mean less to me than if he handwrote me a letter. Usually, effort matters more than price, so for all the Valentine’s Day pessimists out there, because you don’t want to spend money, you don’t have to!

And, if you do, there are cheap ways to show appreciation for your partner: go to dinner during Happy Hour, prepare your gifts before the shelves fill up with overpriced pink hearts, and remember that homemade gifts are always an option.