Valentine’s Day for EVERYONE!

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!!! I’ve covered this topic a lot this year… we’ve got a brunch, a Galentine’s Day party, another recipe, and more… but today, I want to actually get real about February 14th. Here we go.

This holiday is both wonderful and super weird. At the core, it’s about love – and what’s bad about that, right? Nothing! I’m a BIG fan of love in any form… but when one day focuses so heavily on having a perfect Valentine, I understand why people roll their eyes. Okay, so what if you don’t have a romantic love in your life right now? Then you’re somehow not worthy of this holiday? Pshhh that’s ridiculous!

Luckily my favorite card company, Papyrus, totally gets this. Their Valentine’s Day Collection has tons of typical hearts and glitter, but there are also clever cards that work for any stage of your relationship/friendship, and all around lighthearted cuteness that anyone can enjoy! Seriously, anyone. When I saw the card below, I think I actually said “YES” out loud ?

The older we get, the more pressure a lot of women feel to find someone… so much so that I have another post in the works all about how easy it is to fall into “timeline” traps. It can be tough to feel like you’re falling behind, but you know what’s worse? Selling yourself short. Settling for someone who doesn’t give you butterflies. Staying in a relationship simply because you’re afraid of being alone. Trust me, I’ve been there and I’m thankful for all of my single Valentine’s Days because it led me to the relationship I’m in today. 100% worth it.

  I’ll admit, I didn’t come to these conclusions totally on my own. I credit my favorite author Shauna Niequist for talking some sense into me with this passage from her book Savor, called You are significant with or without a significant other:

“Our culture is weirdly obsessed with romance and couples and being part of a matched set. Some of the people I love most are single – either because they haven’t yet found their person, or because their marriage has ended. I’ve reached that age when I hear more divorce announcements than wedding bells. Sometimes I wonder if there would be fewer divorce announcements if we weren’t so hung up on marriage as a status symbol or accomplishment.

I love being married to Aaron. He’s my person, and every day I’m thankful for the life we’re making together. But being married doesn’t mean my life is any more significant than the lives of my single friends. It breaks my heart when they feel like they’re less or half or waiting around for their real lives to start. That’s garbage.

Some of the worst people I know are married, and some of the best people I know are single. I don’t know how it happens But it’s not about the fundamental value of the person in question. Your value is not riding on a cultural obsession with romance and tulle and diamonds.

You are significant with or without a significant other.”

Reading that passage was incredibly validating to me, and it continues to validate how I live my life. There is something extremely special about a romantic relationship, especially a partnership that leads to a wonderful marriage and babies and all of the things that tend to make my cry with joy! (My friends can confirm this for you.) But checking in with yourself and remembering that you are “significant” because of ALL of the relationships in your life, ALL of your accomplishments, everything that makes you YOU… that confidence and sense of worth will not only make you a better partner, but it will make you happier in general. I really believe this to be true.

So, this Valentine’s Day, I challenge you to tell ALL of the people you love that you love them. Cast your net a little bit wider. Give a card or some sweet treats to your best friend, your mom, your sister, your co-worker, anyone! Because really, who would deny a sparkly red bag filled with chocolates and a sweet card? No one.

And, you know, maybe throw a little bit of self-love into the mix. Because… you deserve it ?

Alright, now that I’ve shared all of THAT – I’d love to know what you guys think!!! Any stories/memories/opinions about Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear them!

And for those wondering, you can shop this lips sweater HERE. So cute, right?!? (And it’s 25% off right now!)

PS. Pretty sure Adam’s gonna get this silly one ?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

*This post was sponsored by Papyrus, but (as always) all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Lake Shore Lady possible!