I don’t get it. I don’t understand the hate I see towards Valentine’s Day.

“Oh you’re married. No wonder you don’t get it,” I’m sure someone out there is thinking. Well, I wasn’t ALWAYS married, people. Heck, I was single all they way through college and beyond!!! And I don’t ever recall having the level of hate I see towards this day.

I always looked at it as a day to celebrate love in general! Love for my family. Love for my friends. Love for MYSELF! I was guilty of sending myself flowers on Valentine’s Day once! I seriously do not recall ever hating Valentine’s Day with the passion I see others hate it with…

Some of my favorite Valentine’s Day memories:

Kindergarten – My parents gave me a book (that came with heart shaped lollipops!) that was a cute story about Valentine’s Day. I remember taking it to school that day and my teacher reading it to the whole class. ♥

Coffee Mugs – I don’t remember the year now, but ironically Mom and I talked about it just yesterday… the year she got my brother and me coffee mugs full of conversation hearts. Those mugs are still around and still make me smile!

Rose to myself – I don’t remember the details now, but in high school we were able to purchase a single rose for someone one year. I sent one to myself. Why shouldn’t I get one!?

My First Concert – Bryan White concert in Waco, Texas. My first concert ever. Pretty much changed my life and focus.

Navel piercing – I got my bellybutton pierced on Valentine’s Day. It was a big ol’, “Single and fabulous!” moment.

Flowers for the first time – I got a bouquet of flowers from a friend in thanks for being there for them. Big bouquet of mixed pink flowers. First time I got flowers without asking for them.

Class parties – Oh come ON! We all know it somewhat sucked to have to buy Valentine’s for the whole class in elementary school, but we also all got a big kick out of them, too. I always loved how many different ways people had to spell “Denise” back then. And, seriously, it always made me happy to have a class party! Why can’t we still buy little cheesy cards for all our friends?

I love you – My husband and I said that for the first time to each other on Valentine’s Day.

So, c’mon… whether you are single or not, you must have SOME good story for Valentine’s Day. If not… why not make this year the year you make a good story! Go buy yourself a bottle of wine and chocolate and take a long bubble bath celebrating yourself. Or do something super nice for a random stranger who just might be more miserable for a much more legitimate reason that you. Or call a family member and tell them you love them.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just romantic love. It’s love in general.

Love one another… today and every day.