Diana Shaffer is a graduate student in mass communication from Dehli, La.
Courtesy photo
What do you think about when Valentine’s Day comes around? Do you even celebrate this man-made holiday?
As for myself, I celebrate it even though I’m not in a relationship. I take the time to spend some time to love myself. The simple fact is that everyone wants to feel loved. Around this time of the year, some women are hard on themselves because we don’t have a significant others to spoil us. Instead of waiting on someone to treat you how you want to be treated on Valentine’s Day, take yourself out to dinner or buy yourself a nice outfit or some perfume.
How can we expect a person to know how to treat us if we don’t know how to treat ourselves first?
Instead of waiting for acceptance from another person, we should start with self-love. Women should always know that we are worth fighting for even if no one is there fighting for us. We have to be committed to ourselves first.
Who knows you better than you?
Don’t misunderstand, I would love to receive gifts. It doesn’t matter what because it’s the thought that counts. I would also love to be the woman to shower a man with gifts. It’s not just a one-way street, men want to be able to feel loved as well.
Valentine’s Day was designed for women to feel loved by significant others. The way you celebrate it, or if you choose to celebrate it at all, is your decision.
Nothing can separate you from the love you have or the love you can give others.
Here are some general facts about Valentine’s Day:
67 percent of Americans are obese and overweight because 46 percent of Americans exchange candy.
64 percent of American men don’t make Valentine’s Day plans in advance.
The famous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in which seven Chicago gangsters were gunned down on Feb. 14, 1929 was one the bloodiest mob killings history.
Last but not least, even if you are really, really in love right now you’re still going to die alone eventually.
Nika Kazori posted an article titled “Suicide increases on Valentine’s Day” on the WVLT 8 News website in Knoxville, Tenn. In the story, Kazori speaks with a psychologist named Dr. John Robertson who states that Valentine’s Day has been connected to depression and suicide because it brings awareness to those who are feeling lonely.
Robertson says there are warning signs people can look for if they think a loved one is thinking about suicide. One sign is if they have a negative personality, then all of a sudden have a lot of energy and feeling up.
To anyone that is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts this Valentine’s Day there is help call the Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
You are not alone. A special message to all the single women and men would be to say to yourself: I LOVE MYSELF AND I’M ALL I NEED.
Happy Valentine’s Day.