A Valentine’s Day Rethink
Valentine’s Day: the annual onslaught of overpriced flowers, glittery cards, and chocolate-induced sugar comas. While gifts and grand gestures have their place, love, in all its forms, isn’t about extravagance. It’s about effort, connection, and consistency.
This year, instead of splurging on overpriced gifts or searching for the ‘perfect’ assortment of cliché red roses, focus on what makes relationships flourish: the small, meaningful moments. Inspired by the titles of my favorite love songs, here is some inspiration for creating deeper meaning this Valentine’s Day.
“Faithfully”— Journey
Relationships thrive in the in-between moments—like remembering how someone takes their coffee or showing interest in a work project your loved one has been focused on. It's through consistent, everyday support that we truly show our love—faithfully, day after day.
“I Won’t Let Go”— Rascal Flatts
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s for the friend who always picks up the phone, the family member who is always by your side, the dog who is your constant place of comfort, and the coworker who brings you your favorite coffee when they know you’re having a bad day. Love is in those who stand by you and won’t let go when things get tough. Love takes many forms, and they all deserve to be recognized for the value they bring to your life.
“All of Me” — John Legend
When you really care about someone, you want to feel like a priority to them. Yet, in the world of adulting—where juggling responsibilities becomes second nature—we can't always be top priority. On Valentine’s Day, offering your full self to whoever you share the day with is the best gift you can give. Put the phone down, listen with interest, and be fully present.
“All I Want Is You”— U2
If exchanging something on Valentine’s Day is meaningful to you, keep it simple. My husband knows to never buy me overpriced Valentine’s Day flowers or a generic card made for the masses. What I want is his handwriting—with an actual pen, on an actual piece of paper. I want his thoughts—the simple things he doesn’t always say or that I never knew he noticed (like his love for the weird voice I use when talking to our pups). I have a box of these letters, and they mean the world to me.
Maybe a letter isn’t your thing, and that’s okay. Instead, think of a small, meaningful exchange that would truly matter to you and the person you’re celebrating. The things that mean everything cost nothing.
“Joy of My Life”— Chris Stapleton
Did you know that love is good for your health? And it’s not just romantic love—it includes the bonds we share with family, friends, and even pets. Research shows that people with the joy of strong, loving relationships experience less depression, lower blood pressure, reduced substance abuse, and (bonus!) fewer doctor’s visits. They also tend to heal faster and live longer.
Love isn’t just a human experience—it’s a universal force. Animals experience it too, reminding us of valuable lessons about connection, coexistence, and survival.
“Lover”— Taylor Swift
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love in all its forms—whether with a partner, a friend, or your cherished pet. Nurture the roots of your relationships with deep care and appreciation, and watch them bloom—not just on February 14th, but every day throughout the year.
