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I saw this recipe online.  I mean…yum, but what got me was the description the woman gave about her and her husband’s Valentine’s Day traditions.  One…I don’t hate Valentine’s Day.  I appreciate the chance to celebrate the healthy functioning relationships that actually do exist in the world.  And I think we could do a hell of a lot worse than loving love.

Sure, celebrating awkward teenage hormones or societal pressures to marry and settle down, let’s quit celebrating that.  By all means.  But let’s celebrate love.  In all its many shapes and forms.  Even (or perhaps St. Valentine would say, especially) when it goes against cultural norms.  Which is what I like about this article.  She and Jorge tried the traditional American Valentine’s Day and it sucked.  So now they go to Target and participate in an inane ritual that makes them happy.  Why not? Live your life. Not everyone else’s.  Be a little crazy, if you want to.  Do things that make other people stare.  Or do quiet things that other people won’t understand and will ignore.  Whatever you want.  Live your own life.  You can do traditional if it’s really your thing.  But it damn well doesn’t have to be.  Find what makes you happy and do it.  And ignore all the people who are the same and miserable.  Life is a journey and life is never one-size-fits-all.  Not just on Valentine’s Day, either. Every. Day. Of. Your. Life.

Do what makes you laugh.  Do what makes you smile.  Do what makes you cry, if you want.  Do what makes you feel home.  No matter what the rules or tradition may say. Question, explore, and live, my friend.

Don’t feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love. Emma Watson