To me, today is more than a money grab for candy companies: It’s a reminder that every person can spread love and kindness.
The day before Valentine’s Day, thoughts are racing through my mind as I fall asleep. Do I have everything ready? I wonder if I have enough flowers and chocolate to give out. I hope this year will be better than last.
I wake up the next day feeling energetic because it’s my favorite day of the year: Valentine’s Day. From the time I get out of bed to the time I get back in, I am in a white dress shirt and dress pants during the day, then I change into leggings with a sparkly, white top and a sash with hearts for the night. I am listening to my playlist, called Love is on the Mind, including songs like “All of Me” by John Legend, “Still Into You” by Paramore, and “Fallin’ All in You” by Shawn Mendes. My main focus while I’m awake is to help others feel joyful—to make them smile.
According to a 2017 poll from the National Retail Federation, one of the main reasons people might not like Valentine’s Day is because they think it’s over-commercialized. But even if that’s true, the day has always brought out the kindness in my heart.
I remember in grade school, there would be a table during lunch where you could buy candy and flowers to give to others on Valentine’s Day. I usually got many of these presents to share. Whenever I gave one of my friends a carnation, they would thank me with a smile and a hug.
Any day of the year, I try to support my friends by attending events they’re involved with or taking a look at their works. I hold doors for people, let them go before me in line, and leave big tips at restaurants when I can. But on this day, I make sure they feel even more loved.
I don’t do these things because I think people need my help. It just feels nice to put others in a good mood.
Andy Luttrell, an assistant professor of psychological science at Ball State University, says this is called the warm glow hypothesis. Luttrell says humans are social creatures, which means people around us often influence our behavior. When you help someone, even in a small way, both you and that person will feel good.
And that is what Valentine’s Day is to me: a yearly reminder of how I want to bring more love to our world.
