Chats with Ingrid
MALDONADO
Will you be my Valentine?
From the heartbroken, the ones deep in love, and the ones who scream “capitalism!” What even is Valentines Day and is it important? Valentine’s Day happens every year, February 14, when lovers express their affection for each other with gifts. It is a holiday meant to honor love and romance. Stores deck out all the heart shaped candy and chocolates.
Every year there are people who proudly share their opinions on this romance holiday and how they despise it. While there are those who plan what they are going to get their partner. Then there are those who think the holiday is a fraud and is built on capitalism.
I’m neither for nor against it, but I wonder, if we expect gifts on Valentine’s Day, does it make it any more special?
Would people rather get flowers on Valentine’s Day or a random Wednesday at work?
Valentine’s Day is often about gifts, but it is truly about intention and, of course, love. Are you only getting your partner flowers because society and a holiday tells you to or because you genuinely want to and appreciate that person? The key to Valentine’s Day is to do it all with intention.
Intention is the reason or motivation behind doing something. It involves being mindful and deliberate in your actions. Ask yourself “why” are you doing this?
When people participate in Valentine’s Day without intention it seems like it was just a thing on their to-do list, they felt obligated to check off.
This special holiday is about love and if you love someone put some meaning behind it. What is love without Intention? Love without intention lacks depth and effort. Love is a choice—a choice to invest, to nurture, and to show care. Without intention, love becomes an empty gesture.
If you were to ask me what exactly love is, I would give you 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
So, as Valentine’s Day approaches, let’s remember that love isn’t just for one day, it’s a daily choice. Whether for a partner or a friend, make every day an opportunity to show love with intention.