Love is in the air on Feb. 14; the baby pink-colored holiday that allows individuals to consume obscene amounts of dark chocolate Ghirardelli squares and Ferrero Rochers. Valentine’s Day gets a bit of a bad rap, but why? Typically, Valentine’s-day-hating individuals are just that- singular, alone, solo, need I list more? It’s understandable that bitter, cold-hearted singles aren’t eager to celebrate the holiday, but with a new perspective, it could quickly turn into a lovely day.

I would like to first begin by prefacing that I am Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of single, so I promise these views aren’t blurred by a gross, mushy high school relationship. I just simply love this holiday.

Let’s address the people who think they are above this holiday. Are you really so good at showing your loved ones they mean something to you that you don’t want to take advantage of a day that gives you an excuse to do so? If you are, please hit my line.

Flowers, chocolate and jewelry are commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, but don’t roll your eyes yet; could this be an outdated pairing? According to Forbes, millennials have a higher preference for experiences rather than material goods, so perhaps the true significance of Valentine’s Day is more than just another Hallmark Holiday; despite the fact that it undeniably embodies consumerism.

According to the National Retail Federation, over $20 billion was spent this Valentine’s Day; an unfathomable number that was quite probably accumulated through stressed-out boyfriends embarking on panicked trips to the department store in hopes of finding the perfect gift for their super-serious girlfriend of two months.

But there’s nothing wrong with that. Valentine’s Day isn’t that deep; developing a strong, ill-supported hatred towards this baby of a holiday is simply wasted energy.

I will admit that the idea of spending the holiday alone, eating edible Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough by the spoonful while brainwashing myself with classic rom-coms is slightly pathetic. But what’s wrong with that? You don’t have to have a significant other in your life in order to be allowed to appreciate v-day. Simply showing yourself some love is perfectly sufficient.

Everyone is crazy busy during this time of the year, especially high school students. Most are sitting in that uncomfortable spot dead center between post-holiday break and pre-college decisions. Relationship or not, it’s important to take the time to relax and what better way to do this by taking advantage of heart day?

In my experience, if you tell your mom you plan to watch The Notebook and eat mac and cheese in the bath she won’t press further. Be alone for a night, it will reset you and you will emerge a new person who is totally okay with being completely and utterly alone. Haha…

So, chin up; Valentine’s Day is cute and not worth hating, and you just might get struck by Cupid’s arrow by Valentine’s Day 2021.