Valentine’s Love Doesn’t Live Here
roses Embracing a New Relationship with Modern Love
“We don’t hate Valentines Day or anything, it just needs to do better”
Hey there, fellow wellness warriors! So, let's talk about Valentine's Day. Yep, that holiday where every store is drowning in a sea of red hearts, pink banners, chocolates, sappy cards and meals for two discounts everywhere. But the time has come to hit pause on this commercialised love fest and tune into something deeper, more meaningful, and way less consumer-driven.
Don’t get us wrong, love in all its forms is beautiful and worth celebrating, but the problem we see year on year, lies in how Valentine's Day tends to shove a very narrow and dated definition of love down our throats. It's all about romantic gestures, fancy dinners, and expensive gifts and less about self-expression, representation and the inner journey self-love. If we’re super honest, it can also be triggering and depressing. Everyone knows that but why is it not changing? Do we boycott, simply ignore or signal change as the real change makers that we are?
In our recent team meeting, muffled over snorts and giggles, we asked ourselves, what about those of us who don't fit neatly into that Valentines box? What about those of us who are single, in non-traditional relationships, or simply not into the whole grand gesture thing? We can’t come and die for another made up, commercial holiday.
If you’re anything like us, fear not, because there's a revolution. It's time to reclaim Valentine's Day and make it about love in its purest, most authentic form. Love that starts and continues over the years, with YOU.
Here are a few tips to help you flip the script on Valentine's Day and embrace a more inclusive, self-loving approach:
Start Prioritising Non-Romantic Relationships
This Valentine's Day, instead of focusing solely on a-typical, supposedly requited, romantic love, take some time to celebrate all the meaningful relationships in your life. Whether it's your best friend, sibling, or furry companion - show them some love and appreciation. After all, love knows no bounds.
Create New Traditions
Who says Valentine's Day has to be all about roses and candlelit dinners? Get creative and come up with your own traditions that reflect your values and interests. Maybe it's a movie marathon with friends, a DIY spa day, or volunteering at a local charity. Don’t believe the hype or fall into the matrix this month, independence month is right around the corner.
Practice Self-Love
Ah, self-love. It's the foundation of our business and any healthy relationship, romantic or otherwise. So, this Valentine's Day, don't forget to treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Whether it's indulging in your favourite safe space or hobby, practicing mindfulness, simply taking a long nap or an intentional walk in nature, make time for self-care and nourish your soul.
Challenge the Status Quo
As consumers, we have the power to demand change. So, instead of mindlessly buying into the Valentine's Day hype, question the messages being sold to you. Reach out to your favourite brands or those annoying you with ads and give them an "encouraging piece of your mind. Are these products really worth your hard-earned money? Do they align with your values? Do you feel represented? How are these ads making you feel? By challenging the creative minds that be (or the lack there of) with your wallet, you can send a powerful message to advertisers and marketers that you're not buying what they're selling.
Support Transparent Brands
It’s easy to complain, but that also takes energy. Put that kind of energy to good use by highlighting and complimenting those who are actually doing the work - especially small brands like us!
When it comes to marketing, transparency is key. So, if you're a marketer or advertiser looking to shift away from traditional Valentine's Day tactics, consider partnering with brands that share your values. At thy.self, we're all about authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Individually we’ve been making change on a community level for five years and our audience keep coming back! Together, we can create campaigns that celebrate love in all its forms, encourage people to actually feel, inspire meaningful connections and last the test of time.
So for this Valentine's Day, let's ditch the commercialised nonsense and focus on what truly matters: love, in its most organic, real and unadulterated forms. Whether you're flying solo or cozied up with your soulmate, remember that love is all around us, just waiting to be embraced.
Let's make this Valentine's Day one to remember—for all the right reasons.
With love and solidarity,
Team thy.self
P.S. Marketers! Want to join the movement and revolutionise Valentine's Day marketing with your core audience? Team thy.self can help you! Lets chat!