By Natalie Soldatova
Not many of us might be aware of it, but Valentine’s Day has already been celebrated since the 14th century. Not much has changed since then, as Valentine’s Day was always known as a chance to express our love and gratitude for people that we love. We usually show our love to them by getting them flowers, candy, cute stuffed animals or greeting cards.
Even though we imagine Valentine’s Day as the day of love that is only for romantic couples that can celebrate, it does not have to be only for romantic relationships.
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is mostly known as a time when everyone is planning in advance how they will spend the day with their partner or significant other. The stores are filled with whole sections of pink and red flowers, presents, jewelry or candy.
Others may be trying to desperately find someone to spend this romantic day with and some people just try to avoid this day all together and would rather pretend there is no such a thing as Valentine’s Day.
It is common to see many couples on a date in restaurants, parks, movie theaters or share their day spent together online with others. However, some prefer the other way of celebrating rather in the quiet of their home with their loved ones.
Some people don’t take this day seriously, and some feel pressured to celebrate it in some way. Valentine’s Day can mean different things to different generations. There has been research that millennials are more likely to celebrate this day than Gen Z. That is mostly because millennials are more likely to be married or in a relationship.
Gen Z would say that they would rather spend Valentine’s Day with their friends instead of with their boyfriend or girlfriend. They usually also take it as an opportunity to spend the day with their family to show their love to them and appreciation. With that, it also became a day when the younger generation does not feel the pressure to be in a relationship and would turn this day into celebration of their friendships. Celebrating “Galentine’s Day” has become extremely popular.
Valentine’s Day can be celebrated by all age groups. It is more common for the younger generation to take it as a material approach and buy presents to their partner, but the older generation prefers to have intimate celebrations in small gatherings at home. And for people who are single, they take it as a day to celebrate friendships. There is always something for everyone when it comes to Valentine’s Day.
Even though some people may criticize this day, it is becoming more popular each year. It is important to remember that this day is an opportunity to express love to anyone who is important to us and show our gratitude, whether it is our partner, family or even our close friends.
The feeling of love is important in order to maintain our relationships with others and doing something nice and expressing our gratitude and love to someone we care about will always boost their mood.
No matter how you spend this year’s Valentine’s Day, make sure you spread nothing but love to others.
