I don’t know about you, but I’m kind of meh about the typical Valentine’s Day dating posts, even though many offer some stellar relationship advice.
There’s a reason the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day are busiest for online dating sites. There’s a reason 3 aisles of CVS are dedicated to chocolate hearts and stuffed animals. There’s a reason restaurants offer prix-fixed meals at ridiculous prices, and that a dozen roses can cost half your paycheck.
We will buy those roses, those expensive dinners, those heart-shaped chocolates. It’s part of our DNA to pursue love this time of year.
But let’s face it, Valentine’s Day is a bit of a perplexing holiday – it’s meant to be for couples, but over 50% of the US adult population is single.
That’s a big portion of the population feeling excluded. (Even though some of you may choose to celebrate happily with your girlfriends, eating a nice romantic dinner for 8, or binge-watching Amy Schumer standup. Both incredible ways to celebrate the day, for sure.)
So instead of offering relationship advice, or how to snag a date, I’m going to give you a different type of tip.
Take charge of your Valentine’s Day by celebrating love – specifically the love you already have in your life. And the love you have to give others.
Before you roll your eyes, hear me out.
Love is not some romantic notion. It’s not something to fear. It’s also not something others have to give you, or that caused you pain in your past.
Love just is.
Love is something that is part of you. It is yours to give. It is yours to keep. You know that old cliche – the more love you give, the more you receive? It is true. Which is why I’m asking you to give more of yours.
Romantic love is fun and exciting, but it’s not lasting. Real love is what sustains us, what gets us through grief, pain and struggle.
Have you ever had a moment when someone – maybe even a stranger – said the exact thing you needed to hear? Was there a time when you were compelled to help someone in need, to give them a reassuring pat on the shoulder? It did not go unnoticed. It was done out of love, and love is never wasted.
So in honor of Valentine’s Day, regardless of whether or not you have romance in your life, extend your love to someone else. Buy your newly-single neighbor dinner. Send your aunt flowers. Give that long lost friend a call. Volunteer at the soup kitchen in your neighborhood.
I promise this is better than any Hallmark-inspired romantic night.
Happy Valentine’s Day…
XO,
Kelly
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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