Platonic Relationships in February

What is love?

The answer is not “baby don’t hurt me no more.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “love” in multiple ways including “strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties;  affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests; and an assurance of affection.” All of these various definitions of love include affection not necessarily romance. 

Valentine’s Day is coming up and that may make one think of their HSO (hot significant other), but we need to make sure that we are still appreciating our friendships and other platonic relationships this February. I argue that Valentine’s Day is about love, but platonic love and friendship are just as important as romantic love and they should be celebrated equally. 

Let’s look at friendship through a scientific perspective. The Mayo Clinic states that having friends can boost happiness, reduce stress, and encourage avoidance of unhealthy lifestyles. They also make it clear that maintaining these beneficial friendships requires effort from both parties. “Both parties” means that you need to put in work too. In order to foster and tend to your friendships this Valentine’s Day, send your friends a text, note, or message to tell them how thankful you are to know them. The note does not have to be long, you just need to let your friends know that you are thinking about them. 

Friendship is also very important in our daily lives. One example of a famous and successful friendship is that of the J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The two men started off as academic rivals and later became best friends. Who needs a rivals to lovers arc when you can have rivals to BFFs? They influenced each other's writing and served as encouragement to finish their famous pieces. Good friendships can help you succeed in college and in life.

Friendship and platonic relationships should also be appreciated this Valentine’s Day because not everyone wants a romantic relationship; but everyone deserves to be appreciated. Many people choose to not be involved in romance for different reasons. Some people identify as aromantic (having no interest in or desire for romantic relationships) and others just choose or happen to be single for the time being. Whatever your reason for singledom, remember that you are wanted, needed, and valid. You deserve appreciation everyday. 

Emphasizing and remembering the importance of platonic love and friendships on Valentine’s Day will boost your health and spirits. For anything to happen in friendship, someone has to make the first move. So move. Set aside some time on Valentine’s Day to quickly appreciate all of your loved ones. They will be very excited to respond and engage with you. 

So what is love? Love is affection, commitment, warmth, and effort. There is no better time to express that love than on Valentine’s Day this February.