Valentine’s Day. More than $1 billion in chocolate and 189 million roses are sold in the U.S. alone. The holiday is founded on the principle of showering those you care most about with gifts, love and adoration. While some men enjoy the holiday, others claim they feel that they are being extorted because the holiday is a product of Hallmark’s collusion with women.  Even some women are strongly against it. Regardless of your stance, Valentine’s Day is here to stay, so you might as well get used to it.

  It’s amazing how one holiday can make people so miserable. Just the words “Valentine’s Day” can make people squirm and spew obscenities. Quit being so sour—your emotional insecurities are showing.  I’ve heard people talk about breaking up with their significant other on the 13th and then getting back together on the 15th , just to avoid the expectations of Feb. 14. Really? If that’s true, you have way bigger issues that you need to deal with than just some holiday.   Since we’re all growing older, the days of making Valentine’s boxes in class are far behind us. Teachers and classmates don’t pass out cute cartoon cards and candy anymore. There is no more going home and feeling like we just got a second round at Halloween instead of a day of classes. Just imagine how amazing that practice would be now. Take the class that is the bane of your existence, add candy and the situation starts to feel a little bit better. Oh, how many simple childhood pleasures we took for granted. Despite popular belief, Valentine’s Day is not about romance, it’s about showing gratitude for the people you love. It’s like saying “I know I’ve been a real undesirable a few times in the past year, but here’s a box of candy to make you forget about it.” No one is perfect. It’s not love unless you love them for all their faults as well. Appreciate the effort they do make, instead of focusing on the effort they should have made.   Since I was a little girl, every year for Valentine’s Day my father would come home from work with flowers for my mother, sister and I. Nothing elaborate, nothing planned, just a routine stop to our local grocery store and the pick of what was left. And you know what? I wouldn’t ask for anything else. It was something I could count on each year and it meant a lot. Even now, when I am away for Valentine’s Day for the fourth year in a row, my family sends me care packages filled with cards, candy and more. My dog Nala and I tear the boxes open like it’s Christmas morning. She, of course, gets first dibs on the dog toys and treats; I get whatever is left in the box.   I’ve spent many Valentine’s Days single, and sometimes the singles ones are the best. As college students we tend to use any holiday as an excuse to party. Columbus Day? Party.  Flag Day? Party. Why should Valentine’s Day be any different?  So what if you’re single? We live in a very populated city and go to a university that caters to thousands of people. You have options. Throw a rager. Enjoy being with old friends, meet some new friends and have a good time. Don’t sit on your couch and wallow in your misery. It won’t do you any good.   If you happen to be someone with a significant other in your life, make the best out of the holiday. If you love them, let them know. Expensive gifts and dinners don’t equal love. Most people would take a backrub, a home-cooked dinner, and a good movie and call it a fantastic night. Don’t stress about elaborate plans or money. Keep it simple, meaningful and fun.