Valentine’s Day: A Love Story or a Hallmark Gamble?

Does anyone know the history of Valentine’s Day?

Was it Saint Valentine, love, devotion, rebellion?
Did Hallmark & Russell Stover decide to form a holiday after losing quarters?

Valentine’s day is how gambling was born in my world.

I’d wake up to a heart-shaped box of chocolates, and every bite was a 50/50 shot. You either struck gold… or you got that raspberry filled nugget of fake love that could trigger a full body gag reflex.

Love, disappointment or surprise all wrapped in shiny paper before I even brushed my teeth.

Somewhere along the way, Valentine’s Day stopped being about love and started feeling like competition.

Who got what.
Who spent more.

This is your holiday one uppers and Gold medalists in the jealousy Olympics.

And I remember thinking let’s be real.

If someone doesn’t love you every day, if they don’t show up randomly and imperfectly, then does it really matter that they were forced to buy overpriced flowers on this one day?

Here is the twist, I love holidays.
Even through grief, an extra dose of errands.

I love decorations.
I love making heart-shaped things for my kids.
I love the air feeling softer, warmer, and filled with a little more love.
I love that now I can buy my favorite candy in a heart shaped box removing the gamble entirely.

If you’re alone on Valentine’s Day, nothing is wrong with you.

You get to choose how this day feels.
Take care of yourself.
Go for a walk.
Cry if you need to.
Watch sad movies.
Go out with girlfriends or stay in quietly.

Let the feelings move instead of getting stuck.

Remember, most importantly, it’s just one day.

On February 15th, we roll forward again.

You only get one shot at this life.
Nothing is promised.
YOU are the holder of your happiness.

Reflection Prompts:

What is your real relationship with Valentine’s Day?
Not the one you’re supposed to have, but the honest one?

Journal Prompts:

1. What expectations have I placed on Valentine’s Day that don’t actually serve me anymore?

2. Where have I measured my worth by comparison? Have I taken part in the jealousy Olympics? What would it feel like to release that?

3. If I treated love (especially for myself) as something I practice daily instead of annually, what would change?

Gentle Reframe

Valentine’s Day isn’t a test.
It’s not a ranking system.
It’s not proof of your worth.

It’s just a day and you get to decide how much power it holds.

Should-bye™ to comparison.
Should-bye™ to forced meaning.
Hello to love that shows up in real life.