Happy day before Valentine’s Day! Some like to call this day “Galentine’s Day” — a day to spend with your closest gal pals. I also like to consider today “Palentine’s Day” because it incorporates all pals into the celebration. I’m single and against the idea of Valentine’s Day, so I support and appreciate these alternative celebrations.
It’s also my birthday.
I was born on Friday, Feb. 13, 1998. So, yes, I was born on Friday the 13th and the day before what is supposed to be the ultimate celebration of love and affection.
Ever since I’ve been a young child, I’ve believed I am cursed. But I’m hella dramatic, so this is probably a reach.
But looking back at my experiences always leads me to the same conclusion. Essentially, I believe the curse is this: Since I was born on Friday the 13th and the day before Valentine’s Day, I’m extremely unlucky when it comes to love and relationships.
However, all of the superstitions that are considered to give people bad luck are actually lucky to me because — obviously — I’m immune to them since I was born on the unluckiest day to exist.
The number 13 has always been my lucky number. I have two black cats. I have broken many mirrors. And I can’t count how many musicals I’ve been in that have required me to open an umbrella indoors. Anyway, those things haven’t harmed me at all. But love and Valentine’s Day have.
I do like being single, though. Especially since I’m normally a busy bee. But sometimes I think about the chances I’ve missed with people because of my fear of the curse and because of general anxiety surrounding relationships.
I think there’s so much unnecessary pressure put on people to be in relationships, and I also think there are a lot of stereotypes about what a relationship should be and look like. Valentine’s Day is just one of those things that I can’t get behind because it’s so stereotypical. I don’t want to see another “20 ways to spend Valentine’s Day when you’re single” article from BuzzFeed. I don’t want to hear about the proper way to celebrate this “holiday.” Let us single people thrive on our own terms, please and thank you. I only want to hear about deals on chocolate. That’s literally it.
But I’m proud to be an outspoken advocate for Galentine’s Day, Palentine’s Day and any other Valentine’s Day alternatives that celebrate all forms of relationships — including friendships and familial relationships, because those relationships are incredibly important.
So, please go out and celebrate today, and frankly every day because you are beautiful and wonderful!
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
