Valentine’s Day: a consumerism-driven celebration consisting of happy couples walking hand-in-hand down a hallway, exhibiting feelings of affection and admiration.

While it is typically targeted toward romance, I choose to dedicate the day to my platonic relationships. 

Instead of hoping to receive a heart-shaped box of chocolates or a bouquet of red roses from a significant other on Valentine’s Day, I am delighted to receive a handmade valentine decorated with doodles and glitter from my friend. 

I examine the valentine, finding humor in the inside jokes and sketches. To me, this act of platonic love is better than any bouquet of flowers. 

My friendships have grown with me, and the people who have stayed by my side have provided me with comfort and solace throughout my overwhelming life. 

Although I have never been in a relationship nor experienced the so-called “talking stage” or “situationship” with any living teenage boy, I have found peace and comfort in my life, knowing my friendships can fulfill my needs more than a romantic relationship can. 

My friendships with people who hold diverse life experiences have shaped who I am, uncovering aspects of my identity I was yet to discover. 

For instance, some of my friendships allow me to stay motivated in my academics while other friendships I have made in my church have allowed me to grow in my faith and religion. Additionally, my friendships have simply given me a connection with a group of people with whom I can be myself. 

I am grateful to have found people in my life willing to listen to me rant about excruciatingly specific aspects of my life, tolerating my incoherent points and inarticulate thoughts with understanding.

I have had many failed friendships, whether it may be naturally drifting apart or having complicated and difficult relationships. Nevertheless, my multitude of lost friendships only allows me to appreciate the friends I do have, reminding me that quality is indeed better than quantity. 

Over my high school years, my friendships are what were able to get me here. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. I have learned to be a better person and to find acceptance in a world revolving around teenage dating, acknowledging that maybe one day I will experience it, yet it is not something I should waste my energy chasing after. 

I encourage others to appreciate their friendships as well, knowing that platonic relationships may contribute aspects to one’s life that romantic relationships cannot. 

This Valentine’s Day, I am happy with my independence, entirely satisfied with the fact that I do not need a significant other to be happy. All I truly need is a valuable, cherishing and lasting friendship.

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