Photo via Lee Lard
From rom-coms in theaters to love songs on the radio, February bombards the public with depictions of picture-perfect romances. For people without a romantic partner, it’s bittersweet. I love love stories, but it can be hard to see them play out when I’m still single. I think it’s important this Valentine’s Day to remember that romantic love isn’t the most important thing in the world.
Romantic love isn’t everything
There’s a reason the Greek language distinguishes eight different types of love: eros, philia, storge, philautia, pragma, ludus and agape. Eros of course describes romantic or sexual love, while philia is platonic love, storge is familial love, philautia is self-love, pragma is enduring love, ludus is playful love and agape is unconditional love for the world. Expressing all of these types of love are equally important for your well-being. My personal favorite type is agape – at its core the world is beautiful and loving it makes me much happier than hating it ever could.
Love should be celebrated every day
Love for the world around you is an unlimited resource, and I think it should be spread like it. I love everything. I love my family, my friends, my classes and my interests – and I show it. I say “Bye, love you!” every time I part ways with a friend and I am unabashed about the things that make me happy. I think it’s important for society to move away from the idea that your love should be limited to a handful of people.
Being single doesn’t mean you don’t deserve love
Even with this in mind, it can be difficult to be without romance when you want it. It’s important to remember that even if you’re single this Valentine’s Day, that doesn’t mean you’re undeserving of a partner. Love has a funny way of appearing where you least expect it. As my mom always says, you’ve only met a drop in the ocean of people out there.
Being alone doesn’t mean you have to be alone
This Valentine’s Day, spend time with your friends and family. Go out to dinner, see a movie, have a slumber party or burn all of the stuff your ex left in your apartment. Whatever you do with the important people in your life, stay in the moment. Remember that they’re there for you and you’re here for them. Make a point to tell them that you love them, even if none of you say it very often.
Treat yourself
Finally, indulge in your own philautia. The most important love you’ll ever feel comes from within. Remember that you are worth the celebration of a Valentine’s Day – take a luxurious bath, watch a show you’ve been putting off or crack open the bottle of wine you’ve been saving “for a special occasion.”
You are a special occasion.
