Conclusion: Choose Your Own Valentine

Whether you participate in Valentine’s Day with candy exchanges in a classroom, with a romantic partner or close friends, vicariously through fanfiction and media, or you ignore/dislike it entirely… I hope my story shows that you get to choose what aspects of the holiday to engage with. Valentine’s Day can be about romance, but it can just as validly be about friendship, self-love, creative expression, or even just a day of reflection. I’ve learned to find the silver linings: when the world floods with hearts and roses, I channel it into something that feels right for me, be it making my friends feel appreciated, daydreaming safely, or geeking out over fictional pairings. The aspects of love and connection that don’t resonate with you, you can let them pass by while you celebrate the parts that do. And if none of it resonates, that’s okay too… Sometimes these traditions are just an excuse to check in with ourselves about what we value.

At the end of the day, Valentine’s is a patchwork of many emotions and stories, not just one Hallmark narrative. As for me, I’m taking what I want from it (a day to say I care in my own quirky ways) and leaving the rest. And that, perhaps, is the best any of us can do with any holiday: make it our own. So, whether your February 14th is filled with chocolates and kisses, meme-filled group chats with friends, or a cozy night re-reading your favorite fanfic, I’m sending you good vibes. Take care of yourself, indulge in the love you find meaningful, and remember you’re not alone in whatever you feel or don’t feel. Love you!