Let’s face it, Valentines Day is a big celebration for those very few people who are deliriously in love. Look around you. How many do you see? Sure, there are a few, and if you are part of one, congratulations. But shouldn’t they get to celebrate every day, by the mere fact that they are in love?
I think Valentines Day should be a day to celebrate love – but not necessarily romantic love. Love can come in all types of forms. It isn’t just in your dream crush or that carton of Ben & Jerry’s and your DVD copy of The Notebook. Statistics show that somewhere between 2-5% of high school relationships actually last beyond high school. So, if you are one of the 95% or more of the uncoupled high school population looking for a way to celebrate cupid’s holiday, do not fret; here are some suggestions:
1. Love your community. Volunteer to serve or help prepare lunch or dinner at a shelter or soup kitchen.
2. Love Nature. Plant seedlings or pull weeds on the weekend at the PV Land Conservancy. Be good to the earth, it is where you live after all!
3. Love your Parents. They raised you. Bake your Dad cookies or bring your Mom a bouquet of wild flowers. Say “I really appreciate everything you do.” They of all people will appreciate the love.
4. Love your pet. Play fetch with Fido on the beach. Bring home a ball of yarn for Fluffy. You don’t need to waste money on chocolate for them!
5. Love your school. Spend an hour with your friends picking up the trash that accumulates around the school to make it a better place. We have beautiful campus; let’s take care of it.
6. Love your neighbor. Knock on the door of the 90 year old lady on the corner and present her with her newspaper and a cheerful “Good Morning”. A random act of kindness can really turn someone’s day around.
7. Love your teachers. Spend the entire class period focused on their lesson with your mouth shut and your eyes open.
8. Love your siblings. I know you may spend 99 percent of your time with them fighting, but a hug on a holiday wouldn’t hurt.
9. Love your friends. Whether it’s the group of people you eat lunch with or a friend who moved to Arizona last summer, take the time to appreciate them. Give them calls, send them Valentine’s cards, or maybe gift them their favorite candy.
10. Love yourself. Take a walk along the ocean. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner or dessert. Watch your favorite movie or listen to your favorite album. Do something you enjoy and pamper yourself for the day. Above all, You need to love yourself.
Instead of filling your Valentine’s Day with hate and envy of that 5 percent or ignoring the holiday as a whole, fill your day with love for others and yourself. Why be bitter when you could be benevolent. Happy Valentine’s Day!