"Love, the greatest of all things!" - Shirley Kreasan Strout

Photo: McCall's Magazine via Flickr

Remember in Elementary School when everyone got little Valentine's Day cards in their decorated paper mailboxes? Ahh yes...those were the days...


Now, depending on the year or the mood, Valentine's Day can be one of the most celebrated days or one of the most hated days of the year. For some of us, it is a wonderful excuse to have a night out with that someone special, but for others, it is a time to binge on Ben and Jerry's ice cream and viciously point out the flaws of corporate America (sorry, Hallmark). 


But all criticism aside, I actually really like Valentine's Day. Sure, it can be a day where couples make other people feel uncomfortable with unnecessary PDA, but when I look past the unfortunate visuals, I see a day where love prevails above all. It is a time to reflect on the connections we make with each other as humans and to recognize that we all share the same repertoire of emotions, including love. Not every culture has a word for the feeling of "love" like ours does, but I truly believe we are all loved by someone. Whether we even know it, understand it, or not, the love that exists should be acknowledged and celebrated; and Valentine's Day gives us the perfect excuse to do just that.


...and get flowers...and cards...and candy...wait, make that chocolate....Mmmm....

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!