Yesterday, I read about a bride who literally died in the arms of her new husband at her wedding, while dancing to a song called “Love Me.” She was only 36 and she had heart failure. Now, if that doesn’t have irony written all over it, I don’t know what does. And although her now widowed husband will probably be having a miserable Valentine’s Day, I send out a word of caution before you do too. Before you curse Hallmark for commercializing some bullshit day of love, or bemoan the idea that you’re going to die alone, think of Agape.
I’m no Classical Studies major, but I do know that Agape is roughly translated as thoughtful, genuine, unconditional love for humanity. It is the ultimate level of love, higher than that of Eros, the god often associated with Valentine’s Day. It means showing gratitude for all of those around you and appreciating the fact that they merely exist. I want to refrain from sounding like a preacher at Christmas, but when is the last time you spread love out into the world? Do you feel grateful for the person who holds the door for you? The students who serve you food at Neon? Or what about the customer service representative who is forced to anglicize hir name in order to make you feel more comfortable? Do you practice Agape when you write on the ACB? It’s common knowledge that we should be kind to each other, but how often do you express to someone that you don’t usually talk to that you appreciate them?
I don’t have any special “date” for this holiday, but I do have a group of friends that are more awesome than the new Spice Girls tour, and I’m not afraid to say that. So even if you’re not bitter about today, just let someone know that you care. Remember, being alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely.
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