Why love is all around…especially on Valentine’s Day

Hugh Grant can make anyone feel like ‘love is all around’ this Valentine’s Day.

“Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals at Heathrow Airport. General opinion’s starting to make out like we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends… If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around”.

It’s pretty difficult to escape Valentine’s Day no matter how hard some may try. Both couples and not. With an estimated $20billion spent and 6 million engagements annually in America alone, it’s no surprise that it has become a fundamental part of the year. But whether you are in a relationship or not, it should be a day to be enjoyed and to remember, as the wise words spoken by Hugh Grant explain, “love actually is all around”. It doesn’t have to be spent with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband or wife, as we are made to believe in today’s world. Instead it can be a day for sharing the love with the other people closest to you in your life.

We live in a world of greed, and for many people Valentine’s Day can be a source of stress, especially financially. It can feel like there are certain boxes you have to tick at every holiday period.  But don’t feel pressured to only buy a bunch of red roses that treble in price this time of year just because it’s all that is advertised. If you are planning on buying flowers, then think of the other options you have. Tulips for instance will be a perfect alternative and save roses for another time of the year when it might be a little bit more affordable. The same with dining out. If you’re planning a dinner with someone, why not plan a night in and a lovely home cooked meal of all your favourite things. You avoid the chaos that no doubt all restaurants will be in, as well as enjoying food at your own pace, without the cost. Homemade presents as well are a fantastic way to keep things cheaper but still ensure you have a special day. Websites like Pinterest can be a fantastic source of inspiration for those who may not be sure what to make. Or you could always make one of Phoebe’s sock bunnies… The point being, don’t let the potential expense startle you and put you off planning a romantic evening. There are many alternatives that can be just as special, and from my experience, thinking outside the box and not following the plans that companies throw at us this time of the year can make the day even more special.

For those though who might be planning a night in alone this Valentine’s Day, do not despair. Listen to Hugh Grant and remember that love is with your friends and family as well. It hasn’t got to be dignified or newsworthy, so your favourite trackies, takeaway and a Netflix binge with your friends can be the perfect alternative. Yes there will be soppy photos and statuses all over Facebook and Instagram, and yes some of it will make you want to eat an entire tub of Ben and Jerry’s as you wallow in self pity and indignation, but what better excuse to actually be able to eat an entire tub of Ben and Jerry’s and not feel guilty about it? There are just as many perfect ways to spend the day and not be in a relationship or be on a date with the person you finally plucked up the courage to ask out. Just enjoy the day, as father and son, mother and daughter, husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, old friends.