Growing up meant heart-shaped pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Pink Nestlé Quick milk in my favorite cup.

Passing out paper valentines to classmates.

Opening multiple boxes of candy conversation hearts and reading every tiny message.

Valentine’s Day felt light. Sweet. Fun.

As adults, it can start to feel different.
There are gifts to buy, reservations to make, outfits to plan.

And sometimes, there’s the quiet belief that the day only “counts” if we’re celebrating with someone else.

I love love. I believe in partnership.
But I also believe it starts with us.

What if the day counts because you’re here?

Take yourself to dinner.
Buy your own flowers.
Wear the outfit.
Celebrate your own heart.

Whether you’re partnered, single, somewhere in between, or simply content — the longest relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself.

Happy Valentine’s to me.
And to you. 💗