Valentine's Day is an annual celebration of love and affection with roots dating back to ancient Roman times. Today's festivities look a little different than the original ones. What was once a feast honoring the Christian martyr St. Valentine has morphed into a popular and profitable holiday, generating nearly 26 billion dollars in revenue in the United States alone.
While many see it as a commercialized event (and it can be), it's important to recognize the value of Valentine's Day in promoting love and affection, two things this world feels sorely lacking some days. It also provides a unique opportunity to express our emotions and connect with those we care about on a deeper level. And it shouldn't be limited to people you only feel romantic love for. The human heart is capable of all types of love and affection.
With this in mind, Valentine's Day can also be a time for introspection. What DO our relationships look like? Are we in a healthy, happy place? Are we prioritizing time spent with loved ones? When was the last time we picked up the phone to call a long-distance friend? When did we last check in on a family member? Is there any unresolved resentment or anger we're holding onto with anyone? Do we feel lonely? Do we feel isolated? What are we doing to repair friendships and strengthen relationships?Â
Do the people we claim to love...KNOW we love them?
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