And I mean Valentine’s Day.
I spent a lot of time wifeless and lover-less, so there may have been some times when I was tempted to say “Happy single’s awareness day.” But it always felt wrong. It felt inauthentic. It felt like I was trying to compensate for something I wasn’t or didn’t have that the world (in my mind) thought I should.
Defining yourself (or your worldview) by what you don’t have, rather than what you do is a wonder recipe for disaster. Or at least self-loathing and hatred.
That’s not really a good way to spend time thinking about yourself. Yes, today maybe everyone is wishing you well in the name of a Saint who’s been commercialized for corporate profit. And maybe you don’t have someone close to share the day with.
But you have a lot of other things that define you. Focus on those. (Or buy stock in one of those corporate giants that have commercialized the day, and enjoy the holiday-inspired dividend you’ll get when they sell lots of chocolate.)
But really, what defines you? What you are and have or what you aren’t/don’t? One side makes you happy and grateful. One side makes you depressed.
If you don’t believe me read any of my 100 or so entries on the topic.