Alternate Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

By Janessa Rutiaga
Blog Content Contributor

There are two types of people on Valentines Day. The type that love it and go full force into it, or the type that avoid it at all costs. Personally, I feel like I usually fall into the latter category. I don’t hate the day, but I’ve never really celebrated it (not counting elementary school Valentines day parties). It seems like Valentines Day has always been aimed at just celebrating romantic relationships, and I don’t think it should be like that. I feel as though Valentines Day should be a celebration of love in whatever form it comes in. Whether it be in the form of brotherhood, sisterhood, friendship, or just pure appreciation. Here are some alternative ways to celebrate Valentines day and spread the love:

Write To Your Parents

Our first Valentines growing up were always our parents. My mom always told me I’d be her valentine, and she never stopped showing her love for me on the day. Whether it was a trip to my favorite restaurant, a small gift, or a simple card she always celebrated it with me. Now that we’re old enough, it’s about time we returned the favor. I know most of us are broke, but buy your parents a $2 card, write something meaningful for them and put it in the mail. It’ll go a long way, and it’s something sweet and simple to let them know you love and appreciate them.

Take Your Pet Somewhere Special

I don’t give my dog nearly enough appreciation for putting up with me through the year as I probably should. He deals with me 24/7, never complains, deals with my bad days, and is always there for cuddles and hugs. Our pets help us out so much throughout the school year, and we tend to never thank them. This Valentine’s day, make sure they get in on the love as well. Buy them a special toy (Petsmart has Valentine’s day themed toys and snacks), take them out to their favorite park, or simply feed them their favorite snack or dinner.

Love Your Friends

Romantic relationships come and go, but your friends stick it with you till the end (if you have the right ones). Even if you have a special someone to celebrate valentine’s day with, don’t forget the people that go through it all with you. Friendship is one of the purest forms of love, and it deserves to be celebrated. Set aside a night together to hang out and to have fun. Whether it be a potluck dinner, a night of snacks and movies, or a night out to you all’s favorite place, good friendships deserve to be celebrated.

I’m done with the mindset that Valentine’s Day is only for couples. It should be celebrated by every positive relationship in a person’s life. A day of love should not exclude platonic love.

Featured image by Janessa Rutiaga.