Finding a way to enjoy the day

By Staff
Kim West
For some reason a lot of people dread Valentine's Day. I know it's a holiday that's synonymous with romantic relationships, and it's easy to feel left out if you're not in one. But I think it's a holiday that reminds us to show our loved ones that we appreciate them, and that isn't limited to only spouses or romantic interests.
I also think it's unfair that most expectations for this day seem to be placed on men.
I asked my friend Chris what was the most romantic thing he had ever done for someone for Valentine's Day, and he said he had worn a tux and rented a limo to take the girl he was dating out on the town. When I asked him what was the nicest Valentine's gift he had received, he said he couldn't really think of one.
Besides covering my first sub-regional basketball game and going to class, I decided to enjoy Valentine's Day despite not being in an official relationship.
This month is a very stressful one for everyone in my office because of our annual Progress edition, and I wanted to do something to show my coworkers how much I appreciate them.
Since we're all participating in a building-wide contest patterned after "The Biggest Loser" reality show, I figured sabotaging my competition, er, co-workers, with Valentine's candy isn't very thoughtful. So I opted instead for those cute Valentine's cards everyone used to exchange in elementary school and a platter of sandwiches.
Next on my list was calling my parents because they're probably the main reason why I don't relate this holiday with only romance. Every Valentine's Day when I was growing up, my younger sister and I raced down our quarter-mile driveway because we knew something special would be waiting for us on the kitchen table – a pink or red helium balloon, a large heart-shaped box of chocolates and a card from Mom and Dad.
To cap the day I spent some quality time with my roommate and gave her a small gift since I didn't get her one for Christmas. Then we enjoyed a cranberry cocktail and played some spades with her boyfriend and my pending dance partner Brian, who humored me with a couple of slow dances.
I think it was my favorite Valentine's Day so far and I'm already looking forward to the next one.