The situation is that I’ve hated Valentine’s Day, denouncing it as a crummy, capitalist holiday that glorifies ‘mushy couples.’ As someone whose never had any non-familial ‘Valentines,’ (except those cards you’re supposed to give out in elementary school) I’ve never found any good reason to feel ‘supposedly fulfilled’ on 2/14. 

Now I’m an aunt to a 3-month-old baby girl who (with the help of her schoolteacher parents) sent me and my parents Valentines. I would say that I wish Valentine’s Day emphasized ALL the people we love (not just our significant others), but I believe EVERY DAY should be ‘Valentine’s Day.’

My niece Emma with big brother (my step-nephew) Parker

Emma Rae Cianelli