The Labor Of Love With Valentine’s Day Beckoning, Teens Weigh In On Topics Relating To A Certain Four-Letter Word There’s More To Love Than Romance And Good-Night Kisses

Valentine’s Day, the day of love. Flowers, chocolates, mushy Hallmark cards, the romantic dinner and a good night kiss from your valentine.

Isn’t there more to love than all that frilly stuff?

“Love is understanding someone - even if you don’t like it - unconditionally,” says Christina Farrington, a senior at Rogers.

As for the person she loves most? “My mom. She’s a single parent. We have to be closer and stronger for each other because we’re all we have in the world. We have to be there for each other.” Families share a very special love, and just like love, families come in all forms.

A senior at Kettle Falls High who just couldn’t get past the “L” word said, “I just don’t know anything about all that mushy stuff.” Love doesn’t have to be mushy.

Love can be innocent, platonic, and that doesn’t mean it isn’t as strong or passionate, just different.

Each person you love is different. Every relationship stands on its own. That is one of the greatest things about love: it is so flexible and all encompassing, not to mention universal.

Amanda Spethman, a senior at Gonzaga Prep, says that sometimes love is the only thing worth living for. She’s not talking just about romantic love.

“Love is just like, wanting the best for someone. I think you love anyone who loves you.”

Love is something you can never have too much of or give too much of.

You don’t even have to love someone. It can be something. A passion in life.

There’s so much more to love than romance. Teens love their best friends, not only because they are fun to hang out with, but because they make them feel good about themselves. They are people they trust and can depend on.

Sometimes things we love aren’t even human. At times pets are the only ones who really listen without judging.

Jared Freeman, a senior at Freeman, has such a pet, a drooling cat. “Of course I love her. If I didn’t, who would?”

Love can come in so many different forms and intensities. With all that variety it’s a wonder we don’t celebrate more than just romantic love on Valentine’s Day.