Why Your Mom Is the Only Valentine You Need

I know Valentine's Day is over, but it comes back every year with the same memes in a rotation that make some people laugh while others feel miserable about being single. Why do we feel miserable about being single on that one particular day more than ever? Because we see everyone around us being extra and showing love to their partners on that one day of the year instead of all year round? And honestly, let's face it, more than half those people celebrate the day just so they have something to post about. Most of them probably end up arguing about something or the other that night—whether it's about the choice of the restaurant or a surprise that failed to meet expectations.

Well, you know who almost always knows what you'll like best and also exceeds your expectations? MOMS. Seriously though, how do they do it? Keep aside the times you irrationally fought with her and really think about it, she's been there for you since day one in the most literal and metaphorical sense.

Some people love Valentine's Day and go all out! Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the day or those people. All I'm saying is, sitting at home and drinking tea or wine and gossiping or simply chatting with your mom can actually be way better than going out for a fancy dinner with someone who is likely to piss you off on the same night or within the next 24 hours. (Bonding tip—try drinking up and making fun of people's Insta posts!)

I know it's hard for some of us but befriending your mom is the best thing you can do for yourself. You may think that she won't appreciate you being too frank with her but you can never be too sure! Opening up to her about your friendship drama, relationship issues, or just hot gossip can give you some of the best and most cherished memories of your life. As a teenager, you might think your mom's too strict or old school, but as you grow you'll realize that she really wasn't as strict as she should have been given your unnecessary drama.

I have been really fortunate to have the kind of mother who is receptive to most, if not all, my thoughts and feelings. I can't expect her to understand everything I say or feel. I mean, there are people from my generation who say things that sometimes really make me question their existence, so it's not fair to expect too much from my mother. But real talk, moms are the best friend a girl could ask for. They pamper you, listen to all your silly life problems, give some solid advice or some insanely funny comments, share hot gossip with you, and not to forget—they always know when someone's not right for you. We've all been there with a friend or a romantic partner of whom our mom doesn't approve, but we go on and fight with her for as long as it takes. And you may not realize it but she's actually trying her best to accept someone who she knows isn't good for you. She may be a generation older than you but she understands you more than your best friends.

My mom has always been honest with me, whether I liked it or not. Sometimes a bit too honest... I started sharing everything with her from a very young age. I realized pretty early that there wasn't any point in lying because I am a terrible liar and she is excellent at catching lies. She knows 98% of the things that have happened in my life and she has straight up told me when I have been irrational or dumb and also been super real with me when I needed to hear some hard truths. She cracks me up but can also be quite mean sometimes... Not gonna lie, her frankness is a boon and a bane. I know it's not the kind of relationship every mother-daughter shares but I genuinely wish that everyone has a parent they can be open with. They are always there by your side no matter what. There isn't any friend or partner who can even compete with them.

So coming back to this very extra day, sure, you're super pampered for a week with roses and teddy bears and expensive chocolates, but is your Valentine going to cook food for you and sit by your side when you're sick? Are they going to listen to you talk about people they give zero fucks about every day? Do they take you out for shopping or random lunches just because? I mean yeah surely a lot of you are answering yes to these questions but you also know that that stuff is just temporary and there's no one except your mom who prioritizes you and your well being and happiness every single day of their life. Some moms aren't able to show it as well as others and every mom has a different way of showing it but mama bear instincts are a very real thing and if there's anything or anyone that even tries to come close to hurting their child in any possible way she's gonna do everything in her power to make them regret it.

In conclusion, please do yourself a favour and don't get upset on Valentine's Day. You might not get a hotel room with rose petals in the form a heart and towel swans, or go on an expensive date someplace with twenty other couples engaging in PDA, but that's not something you should want anyway. Spend the day with someone who is real with you, who cherishes every moment she spends with you, and who shows you every day of the year in her own way how much you mean to her.