Valentine's Day is on its way.

Valentine's Day - for some it's a day to do something special for the ones you love. For others, it's a reminder that you don't have that special someone in your life or you get to battle the feelings of worthlessness as those around you are receiving flowers or chocolates. For some, it's a commercial day that has lost all meaning. Card companies, flower companies, jewelers and chocoatiers rely on that "guilt trip" of having to come up with something romantic for our significant other. I often wonder, why is the focus just on one day out of the year when we're meant to show our love and affection? 

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In Japan, Valentine's Day has a twist. On this day, the women gift chocolates to the men and not just to that special guy in their life. They also give friendship chocolates and 'obligation' chocolates to colleagues or bosses. A month later on March 14th, it's the men's turn to return the favor. 

In most cases, Feb. 14th is El Dia del amor y la amistad (Day of friendship and Love) in Latin American countries. It's a day to focus on all those you love, including your good friends. I love that it's a celebration of not just relationships, but friendships as well. But again, why should celebrating the ones we love be sanctioned to one day a year?

I find it sad that we need a commercialized day to remind us of how special our loved ones and friends are to us. We've been trained well by companies to focus on that one day and in a specific manner: flowers, chocolates, candy hearts, cards, romantic dinners. I think it's great to do these things for others and I'm in no way against traditions, I just think we should show our love and appreciation more often and in our own ways without the stress of letting someone down because, God forbid, you didn't buy the right gift. Why not start your own V-day traditions? And why not implement them more than once a year? Sending you all some Love on this February day. - Adrienne :)

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