By Jacqueline PollinaSpecial to the Chronicle
February 14. My eyes popped open after a great night of sleep, I cocked my head upwards to see Josh – my boyfriend – fast asleep, I tapped him awake and gave him a big kiss to which he groggily smiled and reciprocated.
We went for Sunday brunch that his university prepares and played silly games on the walk back from the dining hall. It was absolutely freezing so I covered my face with my jacket and Josh guided me through the city streets until we returned to the dorm, where we cuddled in the blankets as we watched our favorite show: Child Genius. Oh, and FYI: we do this every weekend. Our love, sleepovers and silliness occur regardless of the date on the calendar.
One thing out of the norm did happen, though: We went out for a formal dinner and I received a box of chocolates. That was it, really. I didn’t have time to get Josh his present yet, and he reassured me numerous times that I could give it to him next weekend. “It’s just an arbitrary day, don’t worry about it babe,” he said. With that statement, I think he hit the nail right on the head. Valentine’s Day is an arbitrary day to celebrate love and meaningful relationships, but in no way should it be used as a day to “make up” for a lack of romance on all other 364 days.
If you and your significant other aren’t feeling the love for the majority of the year, it’ll never work out. Valentine’s Day should be used as a day to maybe spice things up – treat yourselves to a nice dinner which you normally are too hesitant to pay for, buy a small gift for your love (we’re talking $5 or less here) or make them something cute. Valentine’s Day should be used as a day to enhance a relationship, not necessarily rebuild a flawed relationship.
Many times, people assume that a grand showcase of balloons, flowers, gourmet chocolate and a gold bracelet is proof that somebody cares for you.
However, it is not the material objects that many young individuals in our society associate with caring that actually represent love at all; attention, emotional support and a shoulder to cry on are the true signs of genuine love.
Don’t get me wrong here though, as the girl who just celebrated her fourth Valentine’s Day with her boyfriend of over three years, I am in no way against the holiday. I’m all about feeling the love!
I think the concept of Valentine’s Day is well-intentioned, but it has now been contorted by young teenagers who associate money with love, when they are in fact two separate entities.
My boyfriend and I are college students. We aren’t made of money at this point in our lives, and that’s OK. I didn’t need him to spend $400 on a present for me just so I could Instagram it with a caption that says, “OMG he loves me so much!”
For all of those in serious relationships, hookups or the infamous “we’re just seeing each other” phase, take Valentine’s Day with a grain of salt and proceed with caution. Oh, and if you’re single, keep working on yourself. Self-love is also an important thing that should be celebrated. And what better day to do so than Valentine’s Day?