I don’t usually celebrate Valentine’s Day.
But ever since I heard that this month Iris Art & Lit is asking members of the community to write a love letter to someone, I’ve been thinking about what Valentine’s Day can mean, right now and always.
Having spent nearly a year feeling farther away from the people I care about than I ever expected to be, I’m starting to see the appeal of a day celebrating love and friendship. It’s cold outside, none of us know what the next year will look like, and we’re all trying to stay connected.
Is it just me, or does the idea of having a so-called ‘valentine’ sound kind of appealing?
To be clear, this isn’t me telling you to shoot your shot. (Though, if that’s how you want to celebrate your Valentine’s Day, I wish you the very best.)
What I’m thinking is that, whether it’s a romantic relationship, best friend, family member, or pet, what better time to stop and think about who that someone, or multiple someones, is in your life, and tell them that they’re important to you?
At its core, the day is about loving and being loved.
Think about those special someones. When Feb. 14 rolls around, give them an elbow-bump, a box of chocolates, a cringey poem, fireworks in the shape of a heart. Or just tell them: “I’m glad that you’re in my life.”

Originally printed in the February 2, 2021 issue.