Happy Valentine’s Day!
¡Feliz día del Amor y la Amistad!
I’ve come to resent Valentine’s Day. And it isn’t just because of the insane level of pink-dom that permeates the world. Really, it’s like something coated the world in Pepto Bismol or something.
Valentine’s Day is created specifically for couples … and there’s just something inherently depressing about looking at Valentine’s Day as a single person. And I write that as someone who’s happy alone.
In the US this holiday is so much about being in a couple that many people consider it a failure to “have” to celebrate alone. If you’re not in a relationship, then there must be something wrong with you. There’s even a thread of desperation and sadness that tinges the organized events for single people. And as a long-time single person, I am very familiar with all of these activities.
So today I’m introducing you to “Día del Amor y la Amistad” (Day of love and friendship). Many Latin American countries celebrate “Día del Amor y la Amistad” instead of “Día de San Valentín.” This makes the holiday about family and friends as well as lovers and couples.
And I have to admit that I prefer that holiday, the one where you celebrate your loved ones, the people who are important in your life. And I’ll do it with chocolate and food and laughter and even a little bit of silliness.
How are you celebrating today?
Sandra Fernandez is a professional communicator, tech enthusiast, book lover, and blogger. You can find her main blog at SandraSays.com and more of her writing at HispanicHouston.com.