GLOBAL
Kyra Trifiletti of Heritage High School
February 2023
Valentine’s Day is a time when love flourishes and countless hearts flutter with anticipation for the big day. Coming from the legend of Saint Valentine, a tale about a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s rule and acted as a martyr for love by secretly solemnizing marriages between military men and their lovers. Today, Valentine’s Day symbolizes the essence of love, but it goes deeper than that through its direct effects on human health and bonds.
Dr. Helen Fisher, an anthropologist renowned for her research on the biology of love and attraction, has studied the profound impacts love can have on the brain extensively.
“Love activates the reward systems in the brain, akin to the effects of a drug,” Fisher said, explaining how love can have euphoric effects on the brain, making those who are in love feel increasingly happy throughout their relationship.
Supporting Dr. Fisher and Dr. John Gottman, who has done famous work on marital stability and relationships, emphasizes the importance of communication and mutual respect in helping relationships endure hardship.
“Key elements such as understanding and respect are pivotal for the success of relationships,” Gottman remarked, moving beyond the scientific basis of the benefits of love.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally and cultural adaptations showcase the diverse expressions of love worldwide, from the “Sisters’ Meal” festival in South West China to Denmark’s tradition of exchanging handmade cards, each variation is a sentiment in the universal language of love.
Though love isn’t simply romantic, Romania’s fusion of Valentine’s Day with spring celebrations and Estonia’s inclusive “Friendship Day” exemplifies how love is much more than romantic connections, love exists in friendships, communities and more.
The benefits of love extend beyond simple emotional fulfillment, it also contributes to improved physical health and social well-being. Studies have linked stable relationships with higher happiness levels, reduced stress and decreased depressive events. Overall, love can foster a sense of belonging, enhance one’s self-worth, and counter any negative self-perceptions of oneself.
“Being in love or being in a stable relationship contributes significantly to mental and physical health,” explained Dr. Sarah Hughes, a clinical psychologist specializing in relationship therapy, adding“From lowering blood pressure to strengthening immune function, love’s impact is comprehensive.”
In society, love’s expression and celebration have only been augmented by social media, offering new ways to maintain relationships and challenge tradition. Throughout time, it has been clear that the essence of love – its ability to connect, heal, and change lives – has only been strengthened as we advance in technology, giving us further ways for relationships to spark and endure.
Matthew Tays a senior at Heritage High School, shared his perspective on Valentine’s Day. Initially, Tays brushed off the holiday, but after entering a relationship, he is much more eager to celebrate the day. While Valentine’s Day is an exciting holiday, Tays expresses his desire for a more inclusive celebration of love, including various types of love beyond romantic love.
“I used to never celebrate Valentine’s Day, I kind’ve just saw it as another day until I started dating my girlfriend, now I celebrate and look forward to the holiday every year,” Tays said, while adding “I do think there should be another national holiday to celebrate types of platonic love though, I think America’s celebration of Valentine’s Day is very focused on romantic love, but I think days dedicated to your family overall or community would be nice.”
Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of love’s enduring and healing powers, not just between romantic partners but also as the fundamental connection between humans. For those seeking to delve deeper into the science of love and its cultural variations, the works of Dr. Fisher and Dr. Gottman, combined with personal reflections from local individuals, offer insights into the complexities of love, and its role in our lives.
The Brentwood Youth Press 