Love it or hate it, another Valentine’s Day is almost here.
As I sat to write this, I found myself thinking about all the different types of love, and how our ideas of love and even relationships change as we grow older.
While some may feel Valentine’s Day is simply a Hallmark holiday, I love the idea of a day dedicated to love.
Love comes in many forms, shapes and sizes. Each type plays a unique role in shaping our lives, highlighting different aspects of human connection.
And this Valentine’s Day, we want to celebrate ALL types of love.
Perhaps the most recognized form of love is romantic love, often portrayed in movies and books, mostly ending with a happily ever after. Romantic love is about deep emotional connection, passion, and intimacy between partners. Romantic love can be shown in love letters and lingering kisses, or shown through small acts like washing dishes, filling up your gas tank, and taking care of the kids.
Romantic love often turns into long-term love, deepening over time through shared life experiences, growth, and commitment.
We can’t talk about love without mentioning parental love, that strong, selfless, protective love between a mother and father and child. This love is unconditional and immediate – the love is there from the very moment you meet your child. It’s the purest form of love, as parents are willing to do anything for their children, without expecting anything in return.
There’s the special sibling love, a bond built on shared memories, experiences, and often, an inherent sense of loyalty. Despite the bickering, disagreements, and rivalry, siblings share a unique relationship that remains constant and unwavering. Siblings are there for each other through it all – the joys and hurts, challenges and triumphs, providing comfort, advice and a lasting love that evolves over time, growing into deep friendship and a support system.
Another love worth celebrating is friendship, the true, lasting love between people that consistently show up for each other, through thick and thin. True friendship is based on trust, respect, and support and love.
Let’s not forget puppy love, either. (No, this doesn’t mean love for your fur babies, although we believe in that, too!). This is the innocent, infatuated feelings often felt during adolescence or early youth. You know, the excitement of a first crush or the thrill of new infatuation. These can often be fleeting, but nonetheless important in shaping our understanding of love.
This Valentine’s Day, we hope you take a moment for some self-love, too. This is essential for our well-being. If you’re often hard on yourself, or feel like you don’t measure up, today is a day to give yourself grace, and really focus on all the wonderful things that make you you. When we can love ourselves, we can love and care for others better.
We’d also add love for you, our customers. We’re certainly celebrating that love this Valentine’s Day. Without you and your support, there wouldn’t be an Ashely’s Pastries. You have trusted us to help you celebrate life’s moments – the big and small, the happy and the sad – again and again. That truly means so much to us.
Wishing you all a loved-filled Valentine’s Day!