February 13 - Lots of Love-Focused "Holidays"

nPosted on February 13, 2020

Key points

nThere are several “holidays” today for the singular reason that it is the day before Valentine’s Day. The focus of Valentine’s Day is, of course, romantic love – and it can be a tricky day for people whether or not they have a romantic love relationship.

nFor those who do have a spouse, partner, boyfriend / girlfriend, there can be such a lot of pressure, so many

nexpectations – and not just from the spouse / partner / crush / etc. All of society seems to expect extravagant displays of love, traditional gifts such as chocolates and flowers and jewelry, and so forth. Restaurants are jammed.

nOn a day when people are supposed to be doing fun and romantic things, a lot of people are stressed out and disappointed. Yikes!

nOn the other hand, those who are not involved in a romantic relationship can feel especially lonely and left out on Valentine’s Day.

nSo many people in and out of romantic relationships hate V. Day, I can’t help wondering why it’s as big a holiday as it is! Why don’t people who hate it just ignore it? (The answers, I suspect, is pressure from society and fear of disappointing others.)

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nPerhaps the common “OMG, I hate Valentine’s Day” attitude is why February 13 is Desperation Day, Galentine’s Day, Madly in Love with ME Day, and National Self-Love Day.

Desperation Day is not all that cool – it supposedly deals with single people desperate to find a connection just in time for V. Day.

nGalentine’s Day is much more fun – it’s a day for women and girls to celebrate other women and girls.

nThe last two holidays are both about self-care, something we all need. Take it easy on the self-criticism, do things you enjoy, make healthy choices, pamper yourself. All of that is important whether or not you’re part of a couple.