Valentine’s day is tagged as a holiday for people in relationships. Everyone is buying flowers, chocolates, and giant teddy bears, but what about all the single people or the people who don’t want to be in relationships yet? Everyone deserves to be shown love. Challenge yourself this Valentine’s Day to be everyone’s valentine.   Â
Showing Love & Spreading Compassion
Love is defined as an intense feeling of deep affection. It is a strong word to use and is equally a strong emotion. It’s easy to show to those you know because they probably showed that love before. It is also easy to grow a love for someone, like your friends, family, and partner. But when you think about showing love for people you don’t know, it can be a little more complicated and even uncomfortable. Â
On a day like valentine’s, it can be a little hard to see that showing love doesn’t just need to be towards your loved ones.
Sometimes we get stuck in the big gestures that come with valentine’s day and only give those gestures to those we know, but the day can be much more. The world needs love and compassion, and scientifically, showing small or large gestures of love has proven to affect the recipient (receiver) in positive ways. Â
So, why don’t we take the opportunity to make this day count for everyone? Love and compassion are feelings that set off rewarding effects in our minds. This shouldn’t be limited to just a number of people. Empathy, kindness, and consideration are all things you can show to those you don’t know. In your interactions today, actively choose to show these emotions, and if you need to use small or large gestures to show your love, then you can do so. Â
How You Can Be, Everyone's Valentine
This Valentine’s day, do something different and become everyone’s Valentine. We know this may sound a little weird, but it will do you and those around you some good. Today spend time making those you know and don’t know happy. Show them love and let them know that however they’re spending their Valentine’s day, they are loved.  Â
Here are some other things you can do to spread love today.Â
- Listen: During your conversations, take the time to listen to the other person and their needs or just what they want to talk about with you.
- Optimize your time: Use your time to do something you may not have done before. Open the door or share lunch with someone.
- Validate: Make the person you're sharing your time with feel validated. Thanks them of sharing their time with you, and let them know that you care.
- Experience: Do something new. Share a new experience or an old experience with someone. You'll notice the smile it brings to them, and it will make both of you happy.
Don’t forget about yourself this Valentine’s day. You need some self-love and care as well. Whether you have a partner or not, show yourself some love. Here are some extra tips if you’re spending Valentine’s day by yourself this year.Â
- Laugh: Do something that will make you laugh and boost your dopamine.
- Occupy your mind: Occupy yourself and your mind by relaxing and enjoying something you like.
- Small Trip of Staycate: Vacations can be small and inexpensive. Do something small in your city or a different space in your home.
- Entice Yourself: Give yourself a gift, meal, or treat and enjoy it alone
