Scout Sixteen - GODIVA Valentine's Day

Hearts of Gold

I’ve always been unlucky in love – or at least romance – because I’ve been thoroughly spoiled by my best friends. Society says you only get one soul mate, only one true love, but I refuse to believe that. I have the type of friends that make dating hard because so few suitors can bring me as much joy and laughter and comfort as my best friends can. Few people have the kind of power over my day that my best friends do – even a simple text can immediately brighten my most somber moods.

So to my best friends –

I love you. I love you because you know (just about) everything there is to know about me. I love you because you know my favorite movie and have all the lines memorized because we’ve seen it a hundred thousand times together. I love you for all the times you knew I was upset and brought me chocolate. I love you for always listening, no matter how long it took me to say what needed to be said. I love you because you’ve seen me at my very worst and still stood by me, even when I yelled at you and said you were a terrible person. Because we both know you’re not. I love you even when you choose a boyfriend or girlfriend over me, because I’m honestly happy for you… but don’t think I won’t play the award-winning role of judge when you ask me what I think. I love you because so much of who I am is based on who we are. You’re as much a part of my family as my own siblings and nothing can break that bond. But of all the things I love you for, I love you most because you’re always you – nothing more, nothing less – the Laurel to my Hardy.

Okay, sappy stuff aside… I’m actually quite excited for Valentine’s Day this year. Throughout the year we can display our love with small, intimate gestures, but February 14th is the one day a year where you can go all out! While – yes – I am single, I am spending Valentine’s Day with my best friends… because friends don’t let friends spend Valentine’s Day alone!

I’m so stoked to partner with one of my favorite premium chocolate brands, GODIVA, to collaborate on their newest initiative, “Public Displays of Godiva.” GODIVA celebrates love in every shape, form, and size, so showing love for your best friends, your parents, your kids, your coworkers, and even your lovers is easy. My friends love chocolate (like… love chocolate) so on our annual camping trip last weekend I surprised them with a few sweet treats from GODIVA. Needless to say, it was a hit!

If you’re looking for unique and thoughtful gifts that set the gold standard for Valentine’s Day, be sure to stop into your local GODIVA store or shop a wide selection of gifts at GODIVA.com. I opted for a few items from GODIVA’s Valentine’s Day Collection, like the delicious Coupes d’Amour Collection.

Scout Sixteen is a lifestyle blog from Justin Livingston. Justin grew up in Mississippi but relocated to New York City in 2008. On Scout Sixteen, Justin shares his passion in fashion, travel, food and drink, and mental wellness.