Every Feb. 14, a deadline is put on love. Flowers are sent, boxes of chocolates are given, cards are written yet all of these gestures have a pre-determined 24 hour time limit.

Valentine’s Day is a greatly celebrated holiday in many countries. Whether that is between couples, friends or family, everyone associates the holiday with love. The act of love

 or loving someone is a part of everyone’s lives. So why do we confine ourselves to just one day of it? Sure, the glitz and glamour of all the gifts and treats we receive is fun, but why are we telling ourselves that love should look extraordinary like this?

Each year, we are pressured to show our love instead of feeling it. It brings upon the pressure to make posts, buy presents and so on. Love isn’t something to perform— it is an extremely intimate and personal feeling that is meant to be expressed year-round. 

Though Valentine’s Day sets an expectation that love is meant to be pretty, it isn’t always like this. It can have its ups and downs as everything in life does. Arguments and bad days are normal, but at the end of it, there is still love. 

Valentine’s Day typically centers in on couples, but love is all around. Relationships with friends and family are equally as important when it comes to love. Due to this common misinterpretation, many people have a bad taste from the holiday because they feel excluded from the celebration.

These big gestures may seem grand, but they’re not what build healthy relationships. It’s the small, everyday actions that make a difference. Love shows up in listening, support and time spent together. One expensive gift could never replace ongoing affection.

It’s not Valentine’s Day where the problem lies— it’s your mindset. You can enjoy the holiday, but you have to enjoy the love that surrounds you all year as well. Relying on one day to show your love is unhealthy for both you and your partner.

 With that, love should be shown all year, let’s stop restricting it.