By Ann-Marie Jones
Valentines, smellingtines. I’ve never been a fan.
As a woman in my 30’s, in a heterosexual relationship, I’m the target audience for the Valentines marketing that has been shoved down my throat for years, and I’m not buying into it (let’s face it, Valentines seems to be heteronormative, which is a pretty dated idea these days). I’m not big on holidays whose message is just ‘a token day to show your appreciation!’, like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day etc, and I feel Valentine’s is on that list. Luckily my husband has been on the same page as me since day 1 too – this is just a regular Monday for us.
The marketing behind Valentine’s is gimmicky and also creates that ‘spend money to show love’ cycle, which I also hate. I feel it enforces the ideas that every woman likes the same things (jewellery, flowers, wine, chocolate, etc), which is what I mean about it being a heteronormative holiday – it’s very much like “men, spend money on your woman”.
So how can you enjoy Valentines in your own way, if you’ve decided Valentines isn’t for you for whatever reason?
Parks and Rec had the idea of Galentines, which has taken off in recent years. Galentines is celebrated on Feb 13th, and is about ‘ladies celebrating ladies’ – get your friends together, reach out and connect with a friend you’ve lost touch with, or something nice for a friend to show you care.
Or simply (to reference Park and Rec again), “treat yo’SELF”. You have to look after yourself, and why not take a day to look after YOU. Buy that nice thing you’ve been eying up, take a relaxing bath or go to bed early with a movie.
And if Valentines is right up your alley, that’s fine too, just do what makes you happy!
Linden Leaves have a gorgeous new self-care item worth checking out, I have been using this on some of the hotter days we’ve been getting.
This is the Rose & Ylang Ylang Face and Body Mist, retailing at $34.99 but currently on special on their site
Key features and benefits
NOURISH & REJUVENATE
Natural ingredients & 100% natural fragrance
Marshmallow to soothe and hydrate
White tea to brighten and protect
Aloe Vera to calm and soothe
Vegan friendly and made in New Zealand
This is a great product to keep in the fridge and spray yourself when you need a pick-me-up.
What are you doing to treat yourself this week? Let us know!
Linden Leaves gifted this product to try, no compensation was received and our opinions are honest and our own
