I’ve never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day. It’s not that I’m bitter or don’t believe in love – that’s not me at all. I love giving and receiving gifts and expressing emotions and all of that, but I don’t like the pressure of a holiday that forces the attention on a relationship. It feels artificial, not organic. It’s a lot of pressure. I’d much rather treat the people around me like it’s Valentine’s Day every single day, or whenever the urge or emotion strikes me, not because of a date on a calendar.

In my childhood home, we didn’t express love very much. We never said “I love you” out loud. If there was a really, really bad argument, I might see the words in an apology letter left in my room when I wasn’t looking. Rarely were hugs and kisses given. It’s just the way my family was growing up. It’s not that we didn’t love each other, we just didn’t know how to say it or really show it.

As a young adult, I went from one extreme to the other. College life was so different from my old home life, and the people around me were very free with their expressions of affection toward their friends. Maybe I was just lucky, but I was surrounded by people who freely complimented one another, hugged when they saw each other, and didn’t hesitate to say, “I love you.” It was a bit of a culture shock to me – slightly uncomfortable at first. But, then I embraced it and never turned back. And that’s how the Elaine you all know now really came to be.

I’m a very emotional person and feel very deeply – and I don’t hide it anymore. I’m very quick to express my love, even to people I barely know. And I mean it when I say it! I know people think I’m crazy, but I don’t care. It’s easy for me to see the good in people and love them quickly. This also means I am easily hurt, but it’s worth the risk. I’m so much happier with the me who gives big hugs and cheek kisses, who is easily excitable and shouts, “I just love you!” all the time, rather than the old me who didn’t know how to do those things.

People don’t always say it back, and that’s okay. I remember the first time while away at college that I was on the phone with my mom and said, “I love you,” as we were hanging up … it was returned with awkward silence. She wasn’t taught to express love, either  – it’s not her fault. But, I didn’t give up. Eventually, she said it back, and now we say it all the time.

Some might say I express love too easily and too often and that it takes away the meaning or depth of the expression. Nah. If I’m super excited about something or someone, I just use the word in all caps (or yell it) and repeat it. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this so much! I’m a goof. But, I’d rather be a goof than be bitter and hateful.

Speaking of things I love … did you know that February is Nonahood News’ anniversary month? Now THAT’s something you can’t celebrate every day! Jason Diven founded the paper in February 2016. When he and his family moved out of Lake Nona, he sold the paper to Rhys and Jenny Lynn in April 2017. And what a journey it has been! So, you all can celebrate Valentine’s Day if you want to – I’m not against other people enjoying that. But, for me, the three-year anniversary of Nonahood News is a much bigger deal and should be a Lake Nona holiday every February! Is there a committee that I could present that idea to?

I love my job. I love living in Florida. I love the people I’ve met since moving here. I love the life that I have. I love our community. I love so many things and so many people. I can’t contain that in just one day, so please don’t freak out when I throw my arms around you and yell at you that I think you’re pretty awesome any given day of the week or month. Happy Valentine’s Day, anyway. And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO NONAHOOD NEWS!!!