Love in All Its Forms Why Valentine's Day Should Be Celebrated Beyond Romantic Love

Love in All Its Forms Why Valentine's Day Should Be Celebrated Beyond Romantic Love

Valentine's Day is often synonymous with romantic love, but it's an opportunity to celebrate all forms of love that bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. Whether it's the love we share with family, friends, pets, neighbors, or community, this holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing these connections.

To shed light on the value of every form of love, three experts shared their insights on how to foster love in all its forms. In today's society, where loneliness is a growing concern and technology often takes precedence over real-life social interactions, it's essential to prioritize our relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging.

The Value of Multiple Sources of Connection

As Mikaela Frissell, a social worker at UT Health Austin, notes, having multiple sources of connection is crucial. Especially as we get older, we recognize that no one relationship is going to provide us with everything. This sentiment is echoed by epidemiologist Tyler VanderWeele, who directs Harvard University's Human Flourishing Program. According to VanderWeele, love can be both unitive (a deep desire to be with someone or something) and contributive (the desire to contribute to the well-being of others). By recognizing these different forms of love, we open ourselves up to a broader range of connections and experiences.

The Connection Between Love, Loneliness, and Health

In 2023, then-US surgeon general Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a public health epidemic. Research has shown that loneliness poses significant risks to our physical and mental well-being, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, dementia, stroke, and heart disease. On the other hand, love's strong social connections, bonding, and support are linked to better health outcomes, as they allow our brains to signal to our bodies that we are safe and reduce stress hormones.

As Frissell notes, Love's strong social connections... allow the brain to signal to the body that you are safe, taking your nervous system out of 'fight or flight.' Research shows being with loved ones can lower blood pressure, stress hormones, reduce inflammation — even help you sleep and better manage pain. By prioritizing these connections, we can improve our overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Valentine's Day is often associated with romantic love, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating all forms of love that bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. Whether you're celebrating with a partner, friend, family member, or pet, take time this Valentine's Day to nurture your relationships and reflect on the many ways love enriches our lives. By recognizing the value of every form of love, we can cultivate a sense of belonging and prioritize our own well-being.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.