Debate: Spread the love on Valentine’s Day in 2021

Read the other half of this debate here.

‘Tis the season of love. By the time Christmas is over, retailers are already gearing up for Valentine’s Day. There’s no doubt that Valentine’s Day is indeed commercialized — much like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. However, it’s still worth celebrating as a special day of its own.

For many, Valentine’s Day can seem a little overrated because consumers get the idea that it’s the only day they can show their loved ones how much they care for them. However, after all, we’ve been through in the last year with COVID-19, everyone should embrace this day of love.

Let this Valentine’s Day also stand as a reminder for us to practice the simple act of love and kindness all year round.

If we can remember to show appreciation for our loved ones and friends on Valentine’s Day, I think more people should take the time to do something thoughtful for others too. If someone is able to, they should use their time and resources to benefit someone else in need.

I’m sure that individuals feel isolated and lonely at this time because they can’t see any family or friends. It would be lovely to see random acts of kindness being done more often, to help brighten the moods of individuals who feel down.

We don’t know what someone is going through at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic. One act of love could mean the world to an individual who’s hanging by a thread. Even waving at a person at the grocery store could make a difference in someone’s life.

I, for one, try to encourage my friends and cheer them up as much as possible with my words. I may not be able to see any family and friends right now, but the least I could do is build them up with encouragement. I personally think that Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to start showing love and appreciation to those around you.

It wouldn’t be a holiday without gifts being exchanged, but we should consider other ways of showing love to others around us. Don’t get me wrong, gifts are awesome. However, people can definitely show appreciation in other ways. When we choose to put someone else first by showing them love and kindness, our actions and behavior could have a really positive impact on them.

Although Valentine’s Day is highly advertised as a day for romantic partners to celebrate, everyone should participate in it, regardless of their marital status. My mom and I like to celebrate it with a yummy dinner and a movie. No, not The Notebook. So you don’t have to have a partner in order to have fun on Valentine’s Day. In fact, you can even celebrate it a day later when all the chocolate is half the price. That’s what I call a holiday.

Regardless of how you celebrate Valentine’s Day or love itself, make sure your family and friends know that you love them. Any act of kindness matters.