Last year on my blog, I talked about ways that couples can
plan ahead and fix delicious, themed meals. This year, I just want to talk
about Valentine’s Day in general. Of course, I will be spending it with people
who I love, with the community that I love. I will be in a production called “A
Trip To Bountiful”. Long story short, go see it and get your tickets if you’re
in the area.
First and foremost, what is Valentine’s Day? Well, it’s
actually a Christian holiday that observes a martyr named, Saint Valentinius.
Apparently, there are several martyrdom stories that exist around Saint
Valentine, but some of the common stories include that he performed weddings to
soldiers who were forbidden to marry, and was imprisoned. Before he was executed,
he wrote a letter to his daughter that signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell.
Of course, though it’s celebrated on the day of his death, many more stories
circulated, and it wasn’t until the middle ages that Geoffrey Chaucer
associated this day as a way to express courtly loved.
There are many people who are taken. There are many people
who are single. Those people who are single understand that sometimes
Valentine’s Day can be a useless holiday that doesn’t really mean anything.
Often times, they would like to celebrate it as Single Awareness Day, in hopes
to enjoy the day with their single friends. People who are in relationships
would do the usual, cooking, dinner and movie date, buy flowers and other gifts
to make them feel special.
Growing up, Valentine’s Day appeared to be that holiday in
which we’re not taught the history and meaning behind it, but we’re always left
to think that it’s the time of the year where we buy kid cards and cupcakes to
pass out to our classmates. I only had one crush on a girl in my early
elementary school days.
Middle School
Middle School comes along, and I found out how big it
started to become. I remember that we did candy grams in school. My very first
year, students who wanted to send valentine gifts to their loved ones, had the
chance to go buy the gifts ahead of time around lunch time, and then it was
saved so on Valentine’s Day, it came to the students in classrooms at random
times. I also remember how big it was when I saw other people getting gifts
such as a bouquet of flowers, big stuffed animals, gifts, and all sorts of
candy. That’s when I realized how big it truly must be. I was single at the
time, but I did do something. I wrote poetry at the time. I gave my “elementary
school crush, a poem. Thought she’d like it.
Then came seventh grade, the year when I wasn’t interested in dating.
Actually, yes I was. But Valentine’s Day, I really cared less. Eighth grade
came, had a crush on another pretty young lady. This was the year that I went
out of my way. I had bought her a ring, a card, and passed notes to her. I even
wrote poetry about her, and even bought so many gifts for her. It was an
interesting year. Did I ask her out? Yes. Did we go out? Not at all.
High School
Once high school came, Valentine’s Day wasn’t as huge as it
was in middle and elementary school. Sure, everyone had gifts. We did candy
grams as fundraisers, but something was still missing. The lack of energy, and
love, is what was missing. I soon thought to myself, where’s the meaning of it
all? Well as a high school student, this was the time period where love can be
expressed in school, but we’re old enough to at least take our valentine on a
date. Dinner, Movie, or anywhere special. I still remember my high school
crush. If it was Valentine’s Day, what would we do? To be honest, I would give
her many gifts, and even take her for a dinner. However, I was unable to have that
sort of freedom, well for my first year. Anyways, I’m not going to write about
my entire high school relationship career, but from the whole high school
tenure perspective, I really thought to myself that Valentine’s Day isn’t
always about gifts and dates. Sure, we show appreciation and love to one
another, but sometimes, it takes more than one holiday to show your significant
other, how much you really love and appreciate someone.
When I began college, nobody actually cared about it. Why?
because you never seen it expressed out in public. Valentine’s Day for many
couples appears to be a private matter. Some couples don’t take the time to
celebrate the holiday itself, but to enjoy spending time with each other to
enjoy each other’s presence. On Cyber Dust, it was brought up to a question, “What
type of gifts do men like to receive for Valentine’s Day?” I thought about it,
and I replied with a simple response. “The only gift I want for Valentine’s
Day, is the love, appreciation, and happiness from my woman.”
Folks, This is perhaps my longest blog, but I want you to
treat everyday as if it is Valentine’s Day. Love and Appreciate each other.
That’s what makes Valentine’s Day, special. If you’re unable to celebrate it
because you’re single, distanced, or not
romantic enough with fancy plans, just go out and enjoy something. It doesn’t
have to be too big, but the enjoyment of each other’s company. Friends, that
goes for you.
Be Romantic
o
Plan something for the two of you
o
Express your true love through poetry, music, or
some sort of creative writing.
o
Buy gifts, but keep in mind, what’s the value
and thought of those gifts? Where will they benefit in twenty years?
o
Enjoy a breakfast, lunch, or even both. It never
has to be about dinner.
o
Always express what you mean to that person you’re
dating, or with. Make it very meaningful, and always express the gratitude to
each other.
For those who are single, or have broken up with their loved
ones, don’t be peer pressured. Don’t get down in the dumps that you have to let
a holiday ruin your mood. It’s all about what you’re most thankful for, whoever
who’s made an impact in your life. Be thankful, and understand that down the
road, there’s plenty of opportunities to go after.
I’m more of the Romantic type. Even though I’ll go out of my
way of gifts, poems, and expression, I also have to realize that it’s not about
that. Now I’m at the point to continue to be romantic, but I never forget the
true gift on Valentine’s Day, is happiness, love, and thankfulness.
Ronald Atkinson
