I have always believed that love and relationships are not something that can be contained in just one event. It is not only roses, not only cards and chocolates. Love is something deeper that does not depend on a date on the calendar. It is daily attention, care and respect. These are simple moments that are created in the mundane, not against a festive background with hearts and banal phrases, which, in my opinion, can be insincere if repeated too often. I don’t want my relationships with people, be they friends or a partner, to be defined by this one day.

I remember that I also used to expect some kind of magic from Valentine's Day, as probably many people our age do. Every time on this day, I hoped that someone would surprise me, that it would be a special moment. But over time, I realized that much more important things happen on those days when there is no reason to celebrate. When everything happens without pressure and expectations, and just naturally, from the heart.

I don’t mind if someone celebrates this day - everyone has their own perception, and this is normal. But for myself, I came to the conclusion that I do not want to create artificial moments. If I feel something, if I need to say something important, I will do it on any other day, not under the pressure of some date. Sometimes it seems to me that there are too many days in the world when we have to do something on schedule: Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays, and even when we don't feel a special connection with a person, we still try to "pretend" that it is important. Why? Why not leave these things real and sincere?

Perhaps at some point I was the girl who waited for surprises, but now I am much closer to simplicity and sincerity. In the end, true happiness is not associated with flowers or expensive gifts. It is in having those around you who understand you, who can support, listen and share your joys and experiences on any day, and not just on Valentine's Day. I prefer to be around those who are ready to do this every day, and not only when the date of February 14th is on the calendar.

Now I don't see the point in these public displays of love at all. Yes, I know that many people think it’s beautiful and romantic, but for me it’s much more important how relationships are built in everyday life. In the way people treat each other, how they show care not through gifts, but through attentiveness, through support in difficult moments.

As for me, I will do my usual things - work, do my favorite things, communicate with loved ones and enjoy simple joys. I don’t feel like I need anything special on this day. And this is perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned: there is no need to look for a special moment if every day can be like that.

Don’t take me the wrong way, I’m not against love and I’m not against holidays. It’s just that this year I feel like I want to take a break from all this vanity and look at the world from a different perspective. Perhaps I will use this day to be alone with myself, to focus on my thoughts and feelings. Because, in the end, love begins with ourselves, and the most important thing is to learn to appreciate ourselves.

Sincerely, Anna