Now that Valentine's Day has passed (and all chocolate is half-priced), let's get something straight: this "holiday" is not the only day that you should show your SO affection. The current version of Valentine's Day is completely commercialized -- which I appreciate, because who doesn't love being treated special for basically no reason? But we've got to be honest with ourselves, people. Your significant other deserves to be shown love the other 364 days of the year.
My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost two-and-a-half years, and I'd like to think that I know what I'm talking about. I know he loves me because he has a calming effect that no one else has on me. He knows I love him because I support him in all of his endeavors. We kiss and we fight -- relationships are work.
Do we save all of our outward affection for February 14th? Hell no! Just ask our friends. On our first Valentine's day, we stayed in -- being college freshmen did not lend itself to spending big bucks on a fancy dinner. On our second, we went all out. Steakhouse dinner, gifts, the whole shebang. This year, we realized two things. One (and previously mentioned) why is today the only day we're putting on big displays of affection? Two, why do material things equate the love?
Why is a bouquet of roses or a heart-shaped box of mediocre chocolate more valuable in a relationship than constant support or never-ending kisses? Why is Instagram likes "better" than knowing someone loves you unconditionally? Dressing up is nice, but is it necessary to show that you love your partner and that they love you? If it is, then maybe you need to be looking at this article instead.
And hey, it also saves you some dough. So next year, try this one on for size: put on some sweats, order in, watch Netflix and maybe get some if you're in the mood. Just don't go out, or if you do, don't post about it online. Appreciate them just as much as any other day. It speaks more volumes than you'd think.
If you'd like to know more about the history of Valentine's Day, click here.
