Chocolates, flowers, and teddy bears.
Isn’t that just the three things every girl wants for Valentine’s Day?
But over half of Americans say they don’t even celebrate Valentine’s Day. And let’s face it – according to statistics less than two percent of teenage couples will end up getting married.
So don’t be sad if you are in the “other half” and won’t give or receive any chocolate, flowers, or teddy bears this Valentine’s Day. It’s completely fine. Accept it.
Besides, Valentine’s Day can (and should) be more than a celebration of romantic love.
We can celebrate love for friends, family, and others we have in our lives that we couldn’t imagine living without.
Sadly, many teenagers don’t know how to love ‘correctly’ because of the environments they grew up in and the poor examples of relationships they see around them.
Contrast that with the unrealistically perfect relationships we see on TV, the movies, and social media. To be honest, love is not how movie producers, society, and social media make it out to be.
Of course, we know that society gives teens an unrealistic view of relationships, but it’s important to remind ourselves of that if Valentine’s Day makes us feel sad or inadequate.
Teens see influencers on TikTok or Instagram who look like the perfect couple, yet behind the scenes, many couples revealed it wasn’t as good as it was portrayed on social media.
Also, teens should remember that these are the years we figure things out and mature. We will make mistakes and we will learn from them.
There is such a huge difference between freshman and senior year when it comes to relationships.
As a freshman, things are just really chaotic. Dating for the week then dramatic break-ups the next week. But as soon as high school sets in, most people begin to grow up, and fast.
By the time the sophomore year comes around, we learn to conserve our feelings more so we don’t get hurt, and that most people aren’t who they act to be.
By junior year, we learned that breakups will not hurt forever. The pain is short-lived and yes, everything will be okay. It may feel like the world is ending then, but in reality, it’s just getting started.
By senior year, we realize there will be life after high school. We learn that there are more fish in the sea and more out there to be experienced.
But isn’t love the one common thing we all share?
No matter where we come from or where we are in life, love is all around in every place we inhabit.
Humans know how to love either way. Some people’s hearts may seem closed off from the world, and some people have wide-open arms, but we are all looking for the same thing – love and acceptance.
Even when it seems someone might not love you or maybe it feels you can’t receive love, just look around. It truly is everywhere, even in the tiny moments.
Drive down the street, and see the people walking their dogs whom they love, young kids like we used to be laughing, or a runner listening to their favorite song. They seem like simple acts yet they all show how love is alive.
So this Valentine’s Day, look for love in ALL places – because it’s everywhere.
