So, next Tuesday is the one of the most loved and most hated holidays of the year. The holiday full of hugs, cards, kisses, chocolate and roses for some, and the holiday full of sorrow, loneliness, tears and regret for others. But why should it be this way? Why can't I just celebrate Valentine's Day on my own? What's so wrong with that?
Here's a little anti-climactic story for my dear little readers. So the other day I was on that beautiful website we like to call Facebook, and what I personally like to call "homework." Well upon researching my news feed, I noticed many of my friends were complaining that they didn't have valentine's, or that they were going to have a terrible Valentine's Day. I thought to myself, "Hmmm ... That doesn't seem like something you should post on Jan. 24 when Valentine's Day isn't for another two weeks." But, then again, that's just me thinking. That is the end of my totally anti-climactic story.
There was, however, a point to that unfortunate story. We have been so consumed by this one day of supposed love and happiness, that we let it get the best of us. So what if we're alone during the festivities of Valentine's Day? I'm still living, breathing and attending one of the best colleges ever. I think that is something to love.
Society and media today have imprinted scenarios in our heads that seem like a fairytale romance. From the teenage sitcoms to your friends that are already engaged, you're surrounded by affection and love between everyone, but yourself. Don't let that get to you. That's their life, not yours. Focus on yourself, and try to avoid lingering on someone else's relationship. It's not very flattering, and in all honesty, it's a little stalker-like.
We are so obsessed with falling in love with another person. We hear all these sayings about how we feel complete as a person when we're with someone "special." As adorable as that sounds, I do have to say that it is not entirely true in my book. In order to be happy with someone else and fall in love with them, you have to love yourself first. You have to have the confidence in order to obtain someone special. No one wants to go for someone that always complains about the way they look, or the way they act. Sure you might get the occasional fling, but it usually doesn't go further than those boundaries.
That is why every year I wake up on Valentine's morning, look in the mirror and say, "Dani, will you be my Valentine?" Although this may sound a little stupid and a little cheesy, it's really true. I've never had a valentine, and this year, I won't have a valentine. I'm not bitter about it. I'm happy that I'm living and that I have been given opportunities that many don't get to have. Why be a bum when you can just establish yourself as your own valentine. You're the only person that could make you happy. Live it up. Buy yourself a teddy bear. Give yourself a rose. So when you wake up on Valentine's Day, look in the mirror and take yourself as your valentine. I'm sure you'll smile back at your reflection and say yes.
"If you can't love yourself, how in the heck are you gonna love somebody else?"
-RuPaul
