Redefining Valentine's Day; A Celebration Beyond Romance
On Valentine’s Day 2025, singles across the United States redefined the holiday, embracing it as a celebration of self-love, friendship, and gratitude rather than solely focusing on romantic relationships. Sarah Dimpengi, a 25-year-old marketing coordinator from Ottawa, decorated her apartment with pink, red, and white balloons and hosted a gathering with friends, complete with cherry margaritas and heart-shaped pizzas. Dimpengi, who has been single for four years, shared that she now values the people around her and herself more than ever, using the day to express gratitude and enjoy time with loved ones.
Similarly, Cahleb Derry, a 26-year-old marketing director and music curator from Brooklyn, has spent only one Valentine’s Day with a romantic partner. For Derry, the holiday is about creating meaningful moments with friends and family, free from romantic expectations. He planned a weekend of dinners and parties with friends, emphasizing that love can be platonic or familial. Derry also reflected on overcoming feelings of bitterness, focusing instead on positive energy and self-love.
Cynthia Tavard, a 24-year-old retail worker from Union City, New Jersey, has never been in a romantic relationship but cherishes her Valentine’s Day tradition of watching romantic comedies with loved ones while enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries. Tavard rejects the commercialization of love but embraces its celebration, stating she would rather remain single than settle for a toxic relationship. She remains optimistic about finding love in the future, believing it will come when the time is right.
Relationship counselor Sarah Hensley, based in Lexington, Kentucky, highlighted the importance of optimism in finding love. She noted that hopeful individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors that foster connections, such as initiating conversations or being open to new experiences. Hensley emphasized that cultivating self-love is a crucial step toward building healthy relationships.
Meanwhile, celebrities also celebrated Valentine’s Day with heartfelt gestures. Former First Lady Michelle Obama publicly expressed her love for her husband, Barack Obama, dispelling rumors of a separation. Other stars, including Lele Pons, Guaynaa, and Antonio Banderas, shared affectionate posts on social media, dedicating messages to their partners, friends, and family members. These displays of love highlighted the holiday’s universal appeal, transcending romantic relationships to celebrate all forms of affection.
In a world often dominated by cynicism, these stories underscore the enduring power of love—whether romantic, platonic, or self-directed—as a source of joy and connection.
¿Cinismo en San Valentín? Tenemos un antídoto
Aunque la televisión y las películas suelen presentar esta festividad como un día temido para algunas personas solteras, otras han acogido el día con
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Así celebran los famosos en San Valentín: ternura y amor para regalar
El amor está en al aire y los famosos lo saben muy bien: te mostramos cómo celebran este día especial.
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