As Valentine’s Day approaches, it seems appropriate to reflect on the romantic effect of the winter season on our lives.

For centuries, winter embodied the idea of death. The Greeks characterized the onset of winter with the myth of Demeter who symbolized the harvest and fertile life that the Greeks enjoyed during spring and summer. Her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by Hades and cursed to return to the underworld for the duration every fall and winter. Her absence caused Demeter and the rest of the Greeks to await her return in loneliness.

In a more contemporary manner, winter still embodies this sense of loneliness. Often dubbed “Cuffing Season,” relationships begin, and those who were once single are now “cuffed” to someone else. People find themselves missing the excitement of the summer, and wishing for a significant other to cuddle with by the fire, to share hot chocolate, and enjoy the snow falling outside.

A common factor facilitating a feeling of loneliness in high schoolers’ hearts is the increased social pressure to be in a relationship during the winter months. With waves of social media posts of couples watching Christmas movies together and baking cookies on a dark and cold snowy night, minds of single hearts wander, dreaming of having someone to post pictures with on social media.

Moreover, songs like Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas is You” and holiday movies centered on love, like “Die Hard,” “Love Actually,” and “Elf” trigger a desire to emulate stories of blooming love during the wintertime.

There was another piece, though, to the ancients’ protocol in the winter, apart from yearning for a warmer life. Celebrations with all members of the cities from all socioeconomic statuses would feast together, were held every winter. It was understood that the loss of fertility and abundance affected all, rich and poor.

So, although these societal pressures and emotional triggers are often hard to ignore, we must remember that winter is also a time of hardships that create suffering far worse than being single.

While looking for our own love, we must work to lend a loving hand to those around the world who spend holidays and cold winter nights without food or shelter.

According to socialsolutions.com, in 2016, over 560,000 people lived homeless in the United States—that is roughly the population of Wyoming living without shelter—with a total of 46 million people living in poverty and food-insecure households. Fortunately, there are a variety of organizations dedicated to providing food and resources to the hungry and homeless in the United States. Feeding America provides 11 meals to the poor for every one dollar donated.

More locally, the Rockbridge Area Relief Association provides a food pantry. It is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Anyone can contact the organization at 540-463- 6943 to volunteer. Those of us fortunate enough to enjoy family, warmth, and food should always look to help others enjoy the same opportunities as we do, especially during the winter when weather creates an even harsher environment for those impoverished.