Sadie Says - Appreciate the Love All Around
Happy February! And you all know what that means – Valentine’s season. While this season is met with excitement and contentment by many, it can also be a jarring or upsetting time for the single folk of the world.
I personally am of the belief that no matter if you’re in a
long-term romantic relationship, or are as single as they come, that Valentine’s
Day is essential for everyone to celebrate.
Often in the media, themes of undying love, endearment, and connection
are solely portrayed in romantic relationships. Especially for my generation,
we have been exposed to seemingly picture-perfect relationships since our
childhood.
Disney princesses waited around for their storybook prince to
sweep them away and take care of them. Early 2000s rom-com heroines fell prey
to the ongoing moves made by the suave leading men or romantic interests, often
losing themselves in the process. Hallmark movies even showcase this love through
every holiday season, no matter if its Christmas or the Fourth of July.
And as a teenage girl growing up fully surrounded by these
idealized romances, it’s hard not to compare or wonder why your love interest hasn't magically appeared yet. To be
honest, it irked me when the media solely portrayed romance as all that a woman
is fit for (taking a page out of Jo March’s book, thanks Greta Gerwig for the
fully angsty monologues).
In my eyes, I think that platonic love is even more significant
and long-lasting than romantic love, and that’s why I continually aim to
emphasize the power of female friendship and appreciating the love all around
you.
The richest and most fulfilling aspects of my life have been
found in my female friendships, who honestly all treat me better than anyone
else ever could. I am forever grateful for their long-lasting positive impact
on my life, because I know I have found people that I can rely on forever.
In my female friendships, I have individuals who will fight
for me and support me through every trial in my life.
For example, I had an incredibly extensive sinus surgery this
past summer, which I felt immense nerves over. To ease my anxiety, my best
friend Rachel planned an entire day of fun before the surgery – from going to
the movie theater, grabbing dinner and dessert, and having an extensive carpool
karaoke session, she made sure to be there for me on a day fraught with worry.
Even more so, she gifted me an entire gift package, filled
with Squishmallows, a journal, sweet treats, and more.
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| The famed Squishmallow in Rach's care package |
College, as well, has given me the opportunity to create new
meaningful connections that I will cherish forever.
Meeting new individuals after sticking with some of your same
people for years on end was surely an eye-opening experience; it instantly made
me realize what I want and require in a friendship, and that some people are
just not for me.
However, Saint Mary’s was just as full of pure friendships for
me as Geneva, Illinois was. As a member of the women’s soccer team, I arrived
on campus the first day of preseason with about 35 built-in best friends.
It’s not to say that I am bet with every single one of them,
sure, but I am lucky enough to call them some of the closest people in my life
now. As you are doing life with these people, you see them in their darkest
moments, as well as celebrating the amazing ones with them.
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| My SMUMN WSOC teammates, turned best friends! |
In a few years, I know that I am going to look back on these moments
with fondness: the endless Bro Will naptimes, late-night Kwik Trip or Target
runs, dorm karaoke, and sweet treats galore.
So, this Valentine’s season, I am choosing to appreciate the
female friendships and the power of platonic love in my life. Take a second and
realize how blessed you are to be surrounded by the people that you are, and let
them know just how much of an impact they have on you.
And, if you’re reading this, you deserve all the love – no matter romantic, platonic, or whatnot. You don’t need someone else to buy you chocolate or shower you in gifts – you are enough. There is so much love around you; don't you ever forget it.
