Valentine’s Day is a holiday traditionally associated with romantic love, but this year, a growing number of individuals are choosing to celebrate the day by honoring platonic friendships and bonds shared between friends, families and communities.
“I think it broadens people’s thoughts on what love can be and how it can be celebrated”,junior Mackenzie says. Moving beyond the confines of romantic relationships, February 14th is becoming a day to appreciate all forms of love that enrich our lives.
As the holiday approaches, various students have different views on how to celebrate this occasion, and what the holiday means to them personally. For some, it’s a day dedicated to romance, while for others, it’s an opportunity to value friendships.
Eleventh grader Mackenzie shares her personal take on the holiday, “Valentine’s day is just a time I can hang out with my friends and go out with them”
While senior Melina Sapulveda highlights the significance of inclusivity in celebrating this day, she emphasizes that not everybody is in a romantic relationship.
“Because there’s always some people who obviously aren’t dating anybody, so they don’t really know who to spend this day with; some people spend it with their friends because I feel like friendship can be just as important as a romantic love.”
While romantic relationships often take the spotlight on Valentine’s Day, Melina’s perspective encourages a broader interpretation of love.
Other students believe that time is a crucial factor for this celebration.
“Hanging out with the person that you love, or the person that you like, and trying to spend time with them, because, like I said, time is money,” Jacob Taffola said.
Melodie Corley agrees.
“I would say just try to spend time with them and just have fun, and watch 10 things I hate about you.”
Freshman Jeronimo Zuluaga expresses the value of relationships.
“A relationship to me is someone that you can trust with everything that you have, and you can tell them everything without feeling judged, and they will help you a lot.”
