By Agnese Augusta Patriarca Bertoli & Ashtami Ravi. Photos by Naufal Farras.
Can popular celebrations like Valentine’s Day be different? Absolutely! Instead of skimming the surface of this plastic world, dive deeper, feel deeper, be a rebel, and dare to stand out.
Opting for an alternative style in a capitalistic society is as contradicting as it sounds. Everything eventually becomes a trend, the underground scene is dwindling, and internet addiction is almost necessary for survival. It’s widely understood that festivities often peak during capitalism, leading to a focus on presents, decorations, spending money and, inevitably, feelings of guilt. Nonetheless, conforming is not always the best choice. Embrace your individuality, make a statement, and redefine what celebration truly means.
The Alternative Valentine’s Day You’ve Been Waiting For
Love Beyond the Hype: Celebrate on Your Own Terms
Instead of feeling nauseated while trapped in the capitalistic vortex, find a way to escape it and share your unique essence with those around you. Embracing alternative lifestyles can take many forms, especially since being alternative essentially means deviating from standardised norms. One powerful way to challenge the patriarchal values that are often embedded in these celebrations is through the concept of spiritual androgyny.
No More Guilt: Love Without the Price Tag
Love is more than just buying roses—which, by the way, don’t even smell that great—chocolates and tacky postcards. Love encompasses laughter, tears, sharing secrets, and feeling comfortable enough to be yourself without worrying about your appearance. When love is genuine, the best gift you can give is a piece of yourself (don’t worry, not literally—no organs involved). An old T-shirt can provide warmth and comfort to someone special. An object with sentimental value is the closest thing to a time machine: the smells, textures, and imperfections are what you need to connect to that person. We don’t like the sterile feeling that comes with new things.
Authentic Love Over Capitalist Celebrations
It’s important to remember that love is political. In a world that profits from our insecurities and keeps us divided through algorithms, choosing to love authentically is an act of resistance. It’s about rejecting the pressure to conform, consume, and perform. Forget about the overpriced roses and heart-shaped chocolates that taste like regret; this year, let’s flip the script. Instead of swiping your card, focus on meaningful actions.
Rebel Love: Reject the Pressure, Embrace What’s Real
Love doesn’t come with a price tag; it thrives on authenticity. This Valentine’s Day, let’s ditch the performative romance and the capitalist guilt trip. Instead of buying into the hype, let’s create our own rituals that celebrate love in its rawest, most genuine form. Whether it’s spending time with friends, supporting a cause you care about, or simply allowing yourself the grace to exist unapologetically, let’s make this day about connection, not consumption. After all, love isn’t a product to be purchased; it’s a feeling to be experienced. And if anyone tries to sell you a heart-shaped box of emptiness, just keep this in mind: the most revolutionary act of love is refusing to play by their rules. So, embrace your uniqueness, show kindness, and be yourself. That’s the real love story worth celebrating. Ultimately, the most radical act of love is showing up—for yourself, for others, and for the world around you.
