Valentine’s Day, February 14th. It’s on this one magical day of the year that cupid is floating around shooting love arrows at people and it is the designated day of the year that everyone expresses their love through corny poems, oversized teddy bears that are completely useless, dozens of roses, and pounds of chocolate. People in relationships love it, single girls hate it, and children in middle school can’t wait to eat candy until they’re in a sugar coma. But, I just want to say; I am not anti-Valentine’s day. The concept just confuses me.

Why do we only have one day a year where we express our love for each other? Wouldn’t it be more special doing little things everyday to show people you love just how much you really care? I’d like to think so. For me, it’s the little things. The things like a care package from my mom when I’ve had a stressful week, a hug from my best friend when I’m feeling down, or simply just hearing the words “I love you”. Things are a lot more meaningful when they are unexpected. Valentine’s day has become so cliché. How is it special receiving a dozen roses from your sweetheart when you know there are millions of other women across the globe receiving the same gift and corny Hallmark card to boot?

I mean, when I was in 7th grade, my boyfriend made me a clay heart that said “I love you”, got me a giant stuffed bear, and a dozen chocolates. Minus the fact that I peaked really early and haven’t received that many gifts on Valentine’s day since…we weren’t really in “love”. Sure, he made the effort and it was really sweet, but Valentine’s day is not based on authentic, undying love.

Furthermore, there is a love that exists that isn’t romantic, and I feel like little old Saint Valentine forgets this fact. Girls who don’t have boyfriends sit in their rooms sobbing (I am totally not one of them), neglecting all the true love actually present in their lives. Don’t forget your grandmother who sends you cookies every week and calls you everyday, or your mom who drove you to soccer practice everyday and makes you chicken noodle soup whenever you’re sick, or your dad who took you to your very first baseball game and taught you how to crack open a peanut. That, ladies and gentlemen, is real love. Then, think to yourself about all the people who don’t have that in their lives and realize how incredibly lucky you are to have all those things. Big deal, you don’t have a boyfriend. Half of the people in relationships aren’t genuinely happy (but some are, and that’s great for them)

On this Valentine’s Day, I ask you to do something. Forget about all the balloons, roses, chocolate, teddy bears, Hershey kisses, and whatever other nonsense is thrown in your face wherever you walk. Look outside yourself and your relationship status, and go make a difference. Spread love everywhere you go. Smile at the person that makes your latte just right every morning, make your roommate breakfast, call your mom and tell you love her. And then remember that it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for you to do these things. Make everyday Valentine’s Day, because there is no such thing as too much love. True love comes down to the little things, don’t ever forget that.

Having said that, it’s totally acceptable at the end of the day to go to the diner with your girlfriends and eat a banana split and complain about the men your life, just don’t forget the love you do have.

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