In Spanish, Valentine’s Day is called Día de Amor y Amistad which translates to “Day of Love and Friendship.” That translation alone feels softer, fuller, and more inclusive than the version many of us are used to. It suggests that this holiday was never meant to belong only to couples, but meant to celebrate love in all its forms.
However, many people feel like they can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day if they don’t have a significant other, and dread the holiday altogether. In today’s society, especially in one that revolves around social media, Valentine’s Day feels like an exclusive event reserved for romantic partners. From expensive dinners, to giant bouquets of roses, it’s marketed almost entirely around couples.
But why is it so romantically centered if love can be celebrated with anyone?
Valentine’s Day is so much more than having a partner. It is a celebration of love and friendship, and platonic love deserves far more recognition than it gets.
Recently, “Galentine’s Day” has become increasingly popular, with groups of girls getting together to celebrate one another. I find this celebration so sweet because it represents something powerful about girlhood. It feels much closer to what Valentine’s Day should be about, which is community, appreciation, and joy.
Most people tend to dislike Valentine’s Day because they are single, but in doing so, they may be missing the bigger picture. Celebrating friendships can be just as special if not more meaningful than celebrating romance. Friendships often last longer than most relationships, and there’s something incredibly special about a friend. Good friends see you at your highs and lows, and show up through breakups, celebrations, and everyday moments. They offer emotional and moral support in ways that are steady and constant. That kind of love deserves recognition.
And if you are single this Valentine’s Day, maybe that’s not a limitation, but rather an opportunity.
You can host a Galentine’s dinner, make handmade Valentine’s Day cards for your friends or even your parents, or volunteer and spread love throughout your community. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or tell your friends how much you appreciate them. Most importantly, take time to reflect, relax, and show yourself some love too.
Love is seen everywhere. It shows up in friendships, roommates who become family, in siblings who check in on you, and in coworkers who brighten your day. Being single means this holiday does not revolve around one person, it can be shared with all the special people in your life because love is not exclusive to romantic couples.
You do not have to go on an expensive dinner date, receive a bouquet of red roses, or exchange overpriced chocolates to have a meaningful Valentine’s Day. All you really need is awareness and the ability to recognize that love surrounds you in more ways than you might realize.
Reclaim Valentine’s Day and return it to its original purpose: love and friendship. Let the people around you know they are seen, heard, and appreciated.
There is no reason to mope around with your head down. This holiday belongs to you too. After all, it is Día de Amor y Amistad, a day not just for romance, but for love in all its forms.