Here we go again, Valentine’s Day is here and you aren’t looking forward to it. You’re not alone. Many people admit that Valentine’s Day is their least favorite holiday of the entire year. Who says that Valentine’s Day can’t be about loving yourself, your family, your friends, or even a stranger?
There are so many benefits of showing yourself or someone you care about some kindness and unconditional love. I was fortunate enough to have a mom who celebrated Valentine’s Day every year as a family as a way to express love and appreciation to one another. As time has gone on, I have realized that this has had a profoundly positive impact on the way I view this holiday.
There are many ways you express unconditional love this Valentine’s Day (and all year long). You can express love towards yourself, your family, your friends, or someone you don’t even know! Let’s take a look at some ways you can show love to yourself and to the world today:
1. Unconditional Self-Love
When was the last time you showed yourself some unconditional self-love? Let’s back up: what does expressing self-love even look like? Are you a face mask and bubble bath type of person? Or do you buy yourself that chipotle burrito you’ve been craving for a week? Expressing love to yourself can look like:
- Buying yourself something you’ve really been wanting and saving for
- Taking time for yourself to do some self-care
- Spending time alone in nature
- Going to a coffee shop alone and getting your favorite drink
- Cooking yourself a delicious meal
- Dedicating an hour to do whatever you want to do: watch tv, watch TikTok, take a nap, whatever you want! No feeling guilty about it, this is self-love time!
2. Unconditional love towards a family member (or members)
Sometimes, saying I love you to a family member may be the greatest thing they can receive from you. It does not take much to make someone smile, and who better to make smile than someone in your family.
Here are some ways you can express your love to a family member:
- Call or text them letting them know how much you love, care, and appreciate them
- Pick up their favorite drink or food item and surprise them with it
- Post a picture to your story with the two (or more) of you expressing your love for them
- Write them a handwritten card
- Get them a small gift bag with some of their favorite candy (or even a gift card)
- Take them out to coffee or a meal
No matter what you choose to do, they will appreciate that you even thought to appreciate them on this day of love!
3. Unconditional love for your friends
Many of us are beyond lucky so spend so much time with our chosen family: our friends! It’s never a bad idea to let them know how much they mean to you.
Some ways to do this include:
- Getting them a $5-$10 gift card to their favorite coffee, fast food, or dessert shop
- Call or text them letting them know how much you love, care, and appreciate them
- Pick up their favorite drink or food item and surprise them with it
- Post a picture to your story with the two (or more) of you expressing your love for them
- Write them a handwritten card
- Get them a small gift bag with some of their favorite candy (or even a gift card)
- Take them out to coffee or a meal
- Give them a homemade gift or card
- Help a friend who is struggling in a class by studying with them
4. Showing love to a stranger
You never know what someone else might be going through. Valentine’s Day is all about taking the love you have and spreading it outwards in all directions! Even if you don’t know this person, an expression of love and appreciation for them could have a positive impact on the rest of their day (or even longer!!).
Here are a few ways in which you can express love to a stranger who might need it:
- Telling them you love their outfit, hair, or something about their personality.
- Letting that person know they are loved either with your words or a handwritten note.
- Giving someone a piece of candy with a note that says they are loved (you can get creative with the notes and make them puns!)
- Holding the door open for someone
- Letting someone cut in when in traffic
- Letting someone go ahead of you in line at the grocery store
- Paying for the person behind you in line at the drive-through
And just like that, you have had a successful Valentine’s Day! This year, think outside the romance box and share love with the world.