Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, people all over are searching for that perfect gift to express their affection. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a national holiday that involves expressing heartfelt sentiments and often involves giving heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Whether you love it or hate it, February is known as the month of love, even though some may be annoyed by the inflated prices for flowers and dining out during this time. It is a day when couples and individuals celebrate and cherish the love they have for one another.

The Importance of Self-Love and Happiness on Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, Beatrice Glaviano ’26 discusses the significance of self-love and happiness, regardless of whether one is single or in a relationship. Glaviano highlights the importance of appreciating oneself and finding joy in the things that bring happiness and fulfillment. Valentine’s Day is not just about romantic love, but also about practicing self-care and embracing the love and happiness within oneself.

Origins and Criticisms of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has often been criticized as a ploy created by greeting card companies to make profits and pressure individuals into spending money. However, the origins of the day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was celebrated as a festival called Lupercalia. Over time, Valentine’s Day evolved to become a day dedicated to expressing love and affection towards loved ones. While some may view it as commercialized, others appreciate the opportunity to celebrate and cherish their relationships.

“Cynics would tell you Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark ploy to separate a man from his money, but the origins behind the day when couples publicly avow their love for one another is far stronger than any corporate conspiracy.” – The Mountaineer

Valentine’s Day Expectations and Traditions

As Valentine’s Day approaches, many women are excited at the thought of not having to cook and instead enjoying candlelit dinners and receiving heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. It is a day filled with hopes and expectations, as couples express their love through thoughtful gestures and romantic experiences. However, it is important to remember that love should be cherished and not taken for granted, regardless of whether one chooses to celebrate Valentine’s Day or not.

• Valentine’s Day is a national holiday celebrated on February 14th each year.
• It involves expressing heartfelt sentiments and often giving heart-shaped boxes of chocolates.
• Some people criticize Valentine’s Day as a commercialized ploy, while others appreciate the opportunity to celebrate their relationships.
• Valentine’s Day is also a day to practice self-love and find happiness within oneself.
• Women often look forward to romantic gestures and not having to cook on Valentine’s Day.
• Love should be cherished and not taken for granted, regardless of whether one celebrates Valentine’s Day or not.

“Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating romantic love, but also about practicing self-care and embracing the love and happiness within oneself.” – Beatrice Glaviano