Have you noticed that things seem a little more pink, cheerful, and flowery lately? That’s because today is Valentine’s Day, a holiday that is as loathed as it is loved. If you’ve turned on a TV or been anywhere online today, you’ve likely come across the most common complaint of day: it’s yet another “Hallmark Holiday” invented as a way to sell trinkets and candy and cards. (If you feel strongly about the day but can’t quite find the right words for your own Facebook or Twitter posts, consider getting some help from trusted status experts.)
There does, however, appear to be at least some historical record of Valentine’s Day. If you want to delve into day’s murky past, The History Channel offers a rather comprehensive explanation of the holiday—while also sharing that approximately 150 million greeting cards are exchanged on the day.
The Rebel Yell, the award-winning official student newspaper of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a different perspective on the holiday. Columnist Doc Bradley says we shouldn’t blame Hallmark for just continuing the tradition of Valentine’s Day as a scam, and advises us to remember “that truth and romance are not necessarily the best of friends.”
Feeling happy and lovey-dovey yet?
Whether created or historic, Valentine’s Day is a holiday you simply can’t escape. Media coverage takes a certain delight in drawing the single vs. non single battle lines, painting each side as worthy of both envy and pity. There are online survival guides that encourage those without a partner to proactively ward off the negative impact of Valentine’s day by making plans, and not defining themselves by their relationship status. A recent counter to Valentine’s Day is Singles Awareness Day. If you’re not sure how to celebrate properly, you can get a quick primer here on all things S.A.D.
If you think being in a couple makes Valentine’s Day all roses: think again. CNN contributor and comedian Dean Obeidallah provides perhaps this year’s most comprehensive perspective on why couples are the big losers on Valentine’s Day. The pressure of the day makesValentine’s Day “the bully of love,” writes Kelli Forsythe, relationship therapist with Psychological Counseling Services, Ltd. It can also shine an unwelcome spotlight on issues within a couple.
But the recipe for couples’ success on Valentine’s Day is no different from any other day. As renown psychologist Esther Perel notes, “love flourishes in an atmosphere of mutuality and reciprocity.” Later this month, Dr. Perel, an international authority on couple therapy, cross-cultural relations, and culture and sexuality, will be a guest of the Adelphi University School of Social Work Continuing Education and Professional Development program. Her all-day workshop on February 24 will focus on “The Psychology of Erotic Desire in Couples.”
Whether you’re single, paired up, or somewhere in between, perhaps today we should just take a tip from family mental health blogger Erica Krull, and embrace a day that is “about sharing and showing love.” After all, the love of family, friends, and yes, partners is good for us—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Love can keep our blood pressure low, it can reduce stress, and it can bring an added level of fulfillment to our every day lives.
See? No flowers or candy necessary.
