Let’s Put the Love Back in Valentine’s Day

Hello Beautiful Soul,

As February approaches, it’s almost impossible to ignore the frenzy surrounding Valentine’s Day. For many, the month becomes synonymous with hearts, chocolates, roses, and elaborate declarations of love. But how did this all start, and when did it become such a commercial spectacle?

Valentine’s Day originally honored Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who, according to legend, defied a ban on marriage by secretly marrying couples. Over time, the day evolved into a celebration of romantic love, becoming heavily commercialized in the process. Today, it’s big business—flower shops, jewelry stores, and restaurants thrive on the promises of grand romantic gestures.

If you’re in a relationship, Valentine’s Day might be filled with excitement, flowers, gifts, and passionate nights out. But for those who are single, it can sometimes feel like a reminder of what’s missing. Some people even find themselves casually dating in the weeks leading up to the holiday just to avoid being alone on February 14th.

In response to this pressure, a beautiful trend has emerged: Galentine’s Day. It’s a time for girlfriends to celebrate their friendship, often over brunch or a fun evening together, turning what could be a lonely day into one filled with joy and connection.

One of my favorite Valentine’s memories happened in South Korea when two single friends and I planned a getaway weekend. We decided to redefine the day on our own terms—booking a hotel suite, exchanging thoughtful gifts, and treating ourselves to delicious food. It was a beautiful reminder that love and joy don't require romance.

This year, however, feels different. Over the past few years, I’ve reexamined the societal pressure surrounding holidays and milestones—not just romantic ones—and chosen to release their hold on my happiness. That doesn’t mean I’m against Valentine’s Day—far from it. If you love it, that’s wonderful. But instead of basing happiness or disappointment on your relationship status or how much effort someone else makes to make you feel special, what if you flipped the focus?

What if February became a time to celebrate love in all its forms—love for yourself, love for others, and love for the world? What if, instead of feeling miserable because nobody made you feel special, you made someone else feel special? Whether it’s writing a thoughtful note, surprising a friend with their favorite treat, or volunteering your time for a cause you care about, love becomes a gift you give freely.

Social media has undeniably shaped our perceptions of love and relationships. Feeds will soon be filled with extravagant Valentine’s surprises—luxury gifts, elaborate flower arrangements, and picture-perfect dates. Then there’s the other side: posts dripping with sarcasm or bitterness about being single and lonely on Valentine’s Day. The constant barrage of #RelationshipGoals can create unrealistic expectations, making it easy to feel inadequate if your love life doesn’t match the curated versions you see online.

But love isn’t limited to romantic partners. It’s for family, friends, strangers, animals, and most importantly, yourself. So this February, instead of asking who will make you feel loved, ask yourself how you can be love. How can you show kindness, compassion, and joy? How can you bring love to Valentine’s Day, regardless of your relationship status?

Love isn’t about material gifts or grand gestures. You’re not a loser if you didn’t get a date, a diamond, or a fancy dinner. And you’re not a winner just because you did. Love is about connection, kindness, and compassion. It’s about opening your heart to the world around you.

So this February, let’s make it a celebration of love in all its forms. Let’s embody love, share love, and remember that love is infinite—and it starts within.

Sending you lots of love,

Nicole