The Paris Independent
23
February 17, 2024
YOUTH NEWS A Teen's Take on Valentine's Day at Middle School “Valentine's Day, at its core, is a reminder to cherish the connections we have, whether they're romantic or platonic” A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE With Paris’ Stephen L
So, Valentine's Day just wrapped up, and let me tell you, love was definitely in the air at my middle school. I decided to embark on a little quest and interview some of my peers to get the scoop on their Valentine's Day experiences. Spoiler alert: most of them had a special someone to share the day with. One thing that stood out was the sweet and thoughtful gestures that my fellow middle school Cupids exchanged to show their affection. I mean, who knew that kids could be so creative with expressing love? From handmade cards adorned with glitter and heart emojis to exchanging chocolate to even handing out plushies, it was heartwarming to see the effort put into making someone feel special. And yes, you did hear me correctly! One of my friends gave a special someone a cute plushie with a card attached to it to confess his feelings to her. But it wasn’t only him who figured that it would be a good idea to gift teddy bears and other stuff
surrounding that to special people because I was soon to realize that there were a ton of people holding teddy bears at the end of the day before going home! They must cherry-ish their friendship!
whether they're your crush, your bestie, or your sibling. It made Valentine's Day feel even cooler, like a big hug for everyone you care about, not just your boyfriend or girlfriend.
Then, amidst the Valentine's Day buzz, there was this irresistibly charming pair who went above and beyond in expressing their affection. They dedicated time to craft heartfelt letters, preciously listing every reason they appreciate one another. Observing their exchange felt akin to stepping into a real-life romantic movie, each word a scene painting a picture of their deep connection. As they shared their sentiments, a warm and fuzzy feeling enveloped the air, making it evident that their love story was unfolding in the most genuine and heartfelt way imaginable.
Valentine's Day, at its core, is a reminder to cherish the connections we have, whether they're romantic or platonic. It's a day to express gratitude for the people who make our lives a little brighter, and hey, who doesn't appreciate a day dedicated to spreading love? February the 16th would be a day of dancing for most schools in and around Paris. The Valentine’s Day dance in particular! With treats and time to spend with your friends or somebody that you associate with glue because you guys always stick together, it’s the perfect setting for the feeling of Valentine’s.
Beyond the cute gifts and sweet notes, Valentine's Day made me think about what it's really about. Yeah, it's a day for couples, but it's also a chance to show love to friends and family. I saw friends swapping small gifts and writing each other notes in the halls, and it hit me: love isn't just about romance. It's about appreciating everyone who matters to you,
So, here's to the middle schoolers who filled the day with love, laughter, and heart-shaped everything. Especially chocolate, yummy delicious chocolate! I wish that your Valentine’s Day was special and filled with joy. Happy belated Valentine's Day! -Stephen L
