Here in America, we absolutely love to show our love with money. Every year 180 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent out; of course most of these are bought the last six days before the 14th. Putting cards, flowers, and candy together, the total that Americans spend annually is about 14 billion dollars. Women tend to spend an average of $72 on gifts with men spending an average of $135. About 25 percent of people are treated to dinner by their significant others and there has even been a 51% rise in money spent on pets for this special day.
With all of this focus on spending money and romantic relationships, people lose sight on this amazing celebration of LOVE. This means love of everyone. I have the best Valentine’s Day stories from friends! Even just tonight, I went to the store with a couple of friends and we got the cutest matching cups! I know it’s small, but it’s still exciting. My friend did a year of service in Ecuador, and she says that on Valentine’s Day they had a great festival and it was amazing! It was a great day of music and food and celebrating everyone’s existence.
Tomorrow on campus, an organization is throwing probably the best event ever!! They are bringing a whole bunch of puppies onto campus to play with on Dubuis Lawn. Everyone is invited to come and play with the puppies in celebration of love. Of course, it is also a great ploy since people seem to mope if they are single on the 14th of February. That’s why I wish there was more emphasis put on all forms of love, not just romantic. It’s a great day to call your friends and family and just say thank you for their presence in your life. Yes, of course, all of the romantic stuff is a lot of fun, and people constantly propose on this day, but don’t forget everyone else in your life as well.
Also go play with some puppies! It sounds like fun!!!
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