I like Valentine's Day. It's fun.
"I like Valentine's Day. It's fun." These words, spoken by John Rzeznik, may seem simple at first glance, but they carry with them a deeper truth about the power of joy, celebration, and connection. Valentine's Day, though often seen as a commercialized holiday, is also an opportunity for people to come together in a shared moment of affection, kindness, and warmth. It is a day that transcends the rituals of buying gifts or celebrating romantic love and speaks to a more fundamental truth: the human need to acknowledge love and celebrate it in all its forms.
In the ancient world, celebrations of love were not confined to a single day, but they were often occasions of joy and community. Take, for example, the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility and the coming of spring. Though its roots were deeply connected to pagan rites, the festival was a time when men and women came together in a spirit of merriment and connection. The celebrations were filled with laughter, dancing, and lighthearted exchanges that celebrated the vibrancy of life and the bonds between people. In this sense, Valentine’s Day reflects an ancient tradition of coming together not with solemnity, but with joy and playfulness, just as the Romans did to honor life, fertility, and affection.
In medieval Europe, love was often associated with courtly traditions, where knights and ladies would exchange tokens of affection and engage in romantic gestures. These traditions were not always marked by the deep, profound expressions of love we might expect today, but by playful and often lighthearted interactions. Chivalry, though it involved honor and respect, also involved a great deal of fun—romantic jest, witty exchanges, and flirtatious courtships. Valentine’s Day, much like these medieval festivals, allows us to embrace fun in love, taking time to celebrate the joy that comes from being close to others, whether in romantic or platonic relationships.
When Rzeznik declares that he likes Valentine's Day because "it's fun," he echoes this spirit of celebration and joy. He suggests that, at its heart, the day is not about perfection or grand gestures, but about embracing the lightness and spontaneity of affection. It is a reminder that love, in all its forms, should be approached with a sense of playfulness and joy, not burdened by the expectations that often accompany such celebrations. Love, after all, is not always solemn; it can also be joyful and easy, filled with moments of laughter and spontaneous acts of kindness.
Consider the story of Antony and Cleopatra, whose love was not just a political alliance, but a union marked by playfulness and mutual admiration. Their love affair was as much about shared pleasures and moments of joy as it was about power and strategy. They enjoyed one another’s company in private and public settings, engaging in elaborate feasts, games, and theatrical gestures that celebrated their connection. Even in the weight of empire and war, they knew the value of enjoying one another’s company, of finding fun in the relationship they shared. They remind us that even amidst great responsibility and hardship, there is always room for lightheartedness and celebration.
The lesson to take away from Rzeznik’s words is simple yet profound: in life, we should make room for joy and celebration. Too often, we allow life’s pressures, expectations, and the pursuit of success to overshadow the simple pleasures that bring us together. Valentine's Day is a reminder that love does not always have to be about grand gestures or solemn vows, but about the little moments of joy that brighten our days. Whether it’s a laugh, a shared meal, or a small token of affection, these moments can be the most meaningful, for they reflect the truth that love, at its core, is about connection and shared happiness.
In your own life, make time to celebrate the small moments of joy, to find fun in your relationships, and to give yourself permission to embrace the lighter side of love. Take a moment to share laughter with a loved one, to send a small note or gift with no expectation, or to simply enjoy each other’s company without the weight of obligation. In doing so, you will nurture relationships that are not only built on deep affection but also on the ability to find joy in each other’s presence. Let Valentine’s Day, and every day, be a reminder that love is not just a serious matter—it is a celebration of the beautiful, fun, and spontaneous moments that make life worth living.
ANTuan Anh Nguyen
I love how John Rzeznik keeps it simple and just enjoys Valentine’s Day. It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the elaborate plans or commercialized ideas, but sometimes, it’s just about having fun and sharing moments with those you care about. Could we all approach Valentine’s Day this way, focusing less on pressure and more on enjoying the experience for what it is?
TNT.N Ngan
Rzeznik’s lighthearted view of Valentine’s Day being ‘fun’ really hits home. It makes me wonder: why do we sometimes let holidays like this become a source of stress? Could we shift our mindset and focus on the enjoyment of spending time with loved ones instead of getting caught up in expectations? Maybe we need to bring the fun back to Valentine’s Day for everyone, whether they’re in a relationship or not.
CTDao cam tu
It’s nice to hear someone like John Rzeznik appreciate Valentine’s Day for its fun aspect. The pressure to make Valentine’s Day overly romantic or extravagant can sometimes take the joy out of it. But does enjoying it in a simple, carefree way change how we experience the day? Could we make Valentine’s Day about having fun and expressing love in ways that feel genuine, rather than following societal expectations?
NQNhu Quynh
Rzeznik’s view on Valentine’s Day being fun reminds me that sometimes, holidays don’t need to be filled with deep meanings or elaborate plans. What if we let go of expectations and just enjoyed the day for what it is—a celebration of love, in whatever form it takes? Could this more relaxed approach make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone, rather than stressing over how it’s celebrated?
Hhuyen
John Rzeznik’s simple statement about enjoying Valentine’s Day is a refreshing take. It’s often easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects of the holiday, but for some, it’s just a fun occasion to celebrate love. How often do we overcomplicate things like holidays? Can we enjoy them without the pressure of making them ‘perfect,’ just appreciating the joy and connection they bring?