Valentine's Day

Here's the thing about Valentine's Day:

It is a money-sucking, commercial holiday.

I've pretty much always been in a relationship on Valentine's Day since I was old enough to care about boys, but I have always hated it for that reason up there. In 9th grade, I went through this stage where I thought I was cool for rebelling against the day by wearing all black and getting a black rose from my then-boyfriend. How anti-love of us...

So, ever since then, I have worn black to keep up my tradition of speaking out against this completely made-up holiday that exists for no other reason than to take your money.

BUT something happened to me this year for the first time since elementary school: I got excited for Valentine's Day.

Part of the reason is that I work in a middle school now, and seeing the kids get so excited and give and receive candygrams makes me so happy. But the other part of the reason is that I just genuinely enjoy spreading love. If they're not happy, I want to make them happy. I knew there would be some pretty upset kids today, and there were, which was entertaining (you can't help laughing at middle-school love drama). But there were some kids who were so upset that it wasn't even funny. It gave me flashbacks to that feeling where you feel like your heart is literally breaking... that empty, hole-in-your-chest feeling.

I just can not stand seeing people hurt like that, when I know how it feels. That's why I do what I do. Because I know how it feels. And yes, you can feel that way when you are 12, 13, 14 years old.

I still think Valentine's Day is a scam. I know that you should show your love for others every day and not need to spend a ton of money on gifts to do so. But really, is there anything wrong with dedicating a day to it? No. Even if you are single, you can still make a point to give and receive love with friends and family. No one is saying you need to go out and buy flowers, or cards, or an expensive dinner. Eric and I don't even do any of that. But use Valentine's Day as a reminder to make sure you let people know how you feel. Cheer up your friend if they are going through a hard time. Tell your parents you love them, even if you are not the type of family that normally says things like that. Put aside the argument you had last night with your partner and just enjoy each other's company.

Any excuse to share the love is a good one, so Happy Valentine's Day to all. I hope you are feeling the love today.

P.S. I still wore black. I have a reputation to uphold, you know...