1. Celebrate All Forms of Love
Valentine’s Day often make it seen as if romantic heterosexual love is the highest form of love, which is just not true at all! It also can make those who are single feel like they are missing out somehow, even if they are perfectly happy doing their own thing. Reject this idea by celebrate all the love in your life! Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your best girl friends, make cards for your siblings and parents, call your grandma and tell her how much you love her.
2. Reject Capitalism
Valentine’s Day perpetuates the message that if you don’t spend money on someone, you don’t really love them. What really tells someone that you care about them is spending time with them and treating them with kindness. Instead of buying an expensive gift for your significant other or friends, go on an adventure with them! Go for a hike, make dinner together at home, or have a movie night. Just spend some quality time together. If you do want to give them a gift, try making it yourself!
3. Practice Self Love
Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating all love, so don’t forget to love yourself! Self-love is an especially important practice for those who feel marginalized in our society. Just existing in a space that makes you feel invisible is radical in itself! Self-care and love is vital.
4. Volunteer
Spread the love! Volunteer in your community on Valentine’s Day. Contact local organizations, shelters, and community centers ahead of time and see how you can help. You can also organize your own event such as a book or clothing drive, a park clean up, a fundraiser for a local women’s shelter, etc. Remember to keep the work going past Valentine’s Day though!
5. Don’t Celebrate at All!
There is no need to celebrate a holiday you don’t enjoy or support. Treat Feb. 14th like every other day and continue to practice love all year round!
Credits:
Created with images by Riedelmeier - "castles fence love" • R391n4 - "candy food sweet" • mya! - "love"