Happy Valentine's Day: From Presidential PDA to Interstellar Love Notes
February 14, 2025
Valentine’s Day: the annual event where couples flaunt their love, singles roll their eyes, and flower shops experience an economic boom that makes them question why people don’t just express affection year-round. This year, the celebrations took on a life of their own—from Barack and Michelle Obama reminding us all that our relationships are inadequate to Mark Wahlberg proving that even action heroes get sappy. Meanwhile, the cosmos itself decided to get romantic, sending Earth a Valentine in the form of a literal stellar bouquet.
The Obamas: Raising the Bar for Love Notes
While many couples scrambled to craft the perfect social media post, Barack and Michelle Obama casually dropped their Valentine’s messages and made the rest of the world collectively sigh. Barack posted a selfie with Michelle, writing, “Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine’s Day, @MichelleObama!”
Michelle responded in equally poetic fashion: “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will...” At this point, millions of people stared at their own “Happy V-Day, babe” texts and realized they had failed.
Mark Wahlberg Joins the Romance Club
Not one to be outdone, Mark Wahlberg took to Instagram to wish his wife, Rhea Durham, a heartfelt Valentine’s Day. “Happy Valentine’s Day, babe!!! Thanks for always holding it down,” he posted alongside a couple’s selfie. Fans melted, while others speculated whether Wahlberg’s ability to stay ripped year-round was secretly powered by Rhea’s unwavering love.
Durham herself got in on the fun, posting a throwback photo of Wahlberg from his 2006 film Invincible with the caption, “The only Eagle I love.” Not only did she flex their long-standing romance, but she also ensured that every Philadelphia Eagles fan had yet another reason to get emotional this Valentine’s Day.
A Cosmic Valentine: The Universe One-Ups Us All
If you thought the best Valentine’s gift this year was a bouquet of overpriced roses, think again. Astronomers gifted humanity with a breathtaking image of the Tarantula Nebula—a giant, flower-like celestial structure captured by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. It’s as if the universe itself decided to drop a "Happy Valentine’s Day" card from millions of light-years away, proving that no human can compete with the sheer romance of space.
So, if you forgot to get your significant other a present, just show them a picture of the nebula and say, “I got you a cosmic bouquet.” Bonus points if they actually fall for it.
Love Traditions That Make Roses Look Boring
While many celebrate with flowers, chocolates, and dinner reservations they booked too late, different parts of the world take a more creative approach to Valentine’s Day.
Argentina takes it to the next level with “La Semana de la Dulzura” (Week of Sweetness) in July, where people exchange kisses for candy. It’s basically Halloween, but with romantic intent and fewer bad costumes.
Japan has a two-part system. On February 14, women give men chocolates. Then, exactly a month later on White Day, men are expected to return the favor with gifts that should be at least twice as expensive. It’s not just about romance—it’s about setting financial expectations early.
Wales avoids all this chocolate nonsense by exchanging intricately carved wooden spoons, proving that in some cultures, love is best expressed through careful woodworking and moderate risk of splinters.
San Antonio: Where Romance and Wildlife Collide
In Texas, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in true Lone Star fashion—with a mix of romance and unpredictable wildlife encounters. The San Antonio Zoo hosted its annual “Wild at Heart” dinner, where couples dined inside a hippo cave. Because nothing sets the mood quite like the gentle sounds of giant semi-aquatic mammals grunting in the background.
For those who prefer a more aquatic affair, SeaWorld San Antonio offered a romantic dolphin meet-and-greet followed by an underwater dining experience. Because nothing says commitment like locking eyes with your date while a stingray silently judges your relationship.
Rock Stars and Love Songs: A Match Made in Music Heaven
Musicians were also in the Valentine’s Day spirit, with legends from Guns N’ Roses to Bret Michaels posting throwback photos, sappy love notes, and curated playlists for the occasion. While Axl Rose may be known for Welcome to the Jungle, on February 14, it’s more Welcome to the Love Fest.
Meanwhile, indie musicians took the opportunity to drop Valentine’s Day-themed singles, reminding fans that love isn’t just for couples—it’s also great for streaming numbers.
Mass Weddings: The More, The Merrier
For those who believe in celebrating love on a large scale, the Philippines once again held its famous mass wedding event. Hundreds of couples said “I do” in unison, proving that love isn’t just blind—it’s also incredibly efficient when organized correctly. There’s something poetic about sharing your wedding day with 500 other people. You don’t just get a spouse—you get instant group rates on anniversary vacations.
The Valentine’s Day Haters Club
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about Valentine’s Day. Some argue it’s nothing more than a marketing ploy designed to sell flowers and overpriced prix fixe menus. Others feel that forcing romance onto a specific day is ridiculous when love should be celebrated all year round. As one cynic put it, “I don’t need a corporate-sponsored holiday to buy expensive gifts. I underwhelm my partner year-round for free.”
Final Thoughts: Love in All Its Forms
Whether it’s the Obamas making us jealous, Mark Wahlberg proving action heroes have soft sides, or the universe itself dropping celestial love notes, Valentine’s Day remains a spectacle of romance, grand gestures, and social media flexing.
Some will celebrate with extravagant dinners, while others will settle for discounted chocolates on February 15. Some will post long, heartfelt tributes to their partners, while others will proudly remain in the Valentine’s Day Haters Club. No matter where you land, one thing is clear—love, in all its chaotic, messy, and often hilarious forms, isn’t going anywhere
