Dear ladies,
Valentine’s Day has come again. With that “holiday” comes certain expectations. Many say it should be the most romantic day of the year, or even worse, that if your significant other doesn’t do x, y, or z, they don’t love you. Along with many other beloved holidays, Valentine’s is pretty old, though it’s feel is distinctly modern. Celebrations of Valentine’s have been around since the 1400s with many cultures celebrating this day differently. Since emotion and expectations are riding high, here are a few things to consider as you get ready for the festivities:
Communicate your desires for the holiday.
Your boyfriend, husband, or fiancé is not a mind reader. If you have certain expectations for Valentine’s Day, communicate that. This is the best way to avoid getting hurt and disappointed. Men think very differently than women, and to them, a home cooked dinner can be just as romantic as eating out at a five-star restaurant. If you would rather stay home and watch a movie, say that. Let me repeat, he is not a mind reader, and to expect him to do exactly as your brain screams but your mouth bottles is ridiculous. Be open and honest.
Understand that Valentine’s day does not have to be the most romantic day of the year.
Red flags should pop up if Valentine’s Day is the only day where he brings you flowers or cooks you a meal. Love is not a single annual event, but a daily emotion we show to those around us. Love is in the small, tedious tasks that truly show how deeply the people in our lives care about us. Celebrating Valentine’s Day does not give your significant other permission to drop the ball the rest of the year. Bringing flowers does not equate to a “get out of jail free” card for all the times they didn’t call. Know your worth ladies and don’t settle!
Love languages speak volumes.
If you and your significant other have never taken a love language test, now is the perfect time to do so. In summary, it is a quiz that tells you how you best receive love. For instance, some people respond to physical affection better than they do receiving gifts. When you and your partner can effectively identify your own love languages, it can help you show love to them in the best way possible on Valentine’s Day.
It’s okay to ignore the holiday.
No one said you had to celebrate. For many couples, this day feels too commercial. Your relationship’s validity does not depend on adherence to this holiday. It’s okay to opt out. Just make sure your significant other is also fine with ignoring it.
Celebrate your way.
The only wrong way to show love is to not show it at all. If you want to celebrate by not celebrating that’s totally okay. If you want to go all out and do a fancy dinner and flowers, that’s also totally okay. At the end of the day, this should be about you and your significant other. Don’t feel bound by stupid societal standards on how you should celebrate. Love does not only fit in a heart-shaped box with cheap chocolates.
As Kate Summers said “You are my Valentine because you bring love to my life each and every day. I love you more each and every day, in every way.” Provided you keep this in mind, have a good Valentine’s Day!
Taylor Hunt
Taylor Hunt is currently attending Washington State University pursuing a degree in AG Engineering. In her spare moments, Taylor writes for multiple outlets and loved to explore the natural world.
The views expressed in this article are the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Lone Conservative staff.
@TakketyTam
