Valentine’s Day is not my favorite. Throughout my life, everyone always makes a big deal about this supposed day of “love.” What dress are you wearing for your special date? Where are you going? Are you getting him a gift? The questions are never ending.

In high school, teachers and other high schoolers would be walking down the hallways with balloons that filled the entire hallways, bouquets of roses that probably cost more than $50 and enough boxes of chocolate to last an average person seven years (and that would last me approximately seven days). 

To be honest, that is not why I dislike Valentine’s Day. I don’t like it because I think love should be spread through the entire year rather than just spewing love in large doses for a 24-hour period of time.

My ideal Valentine’s Day celebration would be to treat it like a normal day, but integrate random acts of love and kindness to everyone, rather than just for a significant other. Small acts make me so much happier than a date that is so intricately designed that I am afraid that I’ll mess it up. My perfect gift from anyone would be a sticky note (in case you’re wondering – I have a sticky note obsession) with a memory that I shared with that person. I know it’s not the most elaborate gift in the world but it shows you care (and you don’t have spend a fortune: it’s a win-win).

Another reason I’m not a huge fan of this romantic day is the overemphasis on having a relationship. Valentine’s Day is a wonderful day for someone who has a significant other. They get to dream of this day where they can spend time with each other and think about their feelings for one another.

But for the people who are single, this day is torture. I’ve also heard Valentine’s Day known as Singles’ Awareness Day. People who are single shouldn’t have to be questioned a million times on why they’re single and if they’re looking for someone and all the other questions that follow. They should be able to be happy riding solo and enjoy the day with friends.

My challenge to you is to reform how you see Valentine’s Day (if you’re “taken” or if you’re single).

First off, don’t put so much pressure on yourself or anyone else to make the 14th of February this “perfect, magical” day because it will never live up to your expectations.

Second, shower the world and the people around you with kindness and love. You never know what other people around you are facing, so take this day to show that you care. A small act to make someone happy can be as small as taking the time to hold the door open for someone and smiling when they say thank you. If you have leftover flex, be kind and buy a meal for someone. Showing kindness and love doesn’t have to be in a heart shaped box or have any strings attached.

On Valentine’s Day, you will not see me at a restaurant covered in pink, red and white. Instead you could probably find me spending quality time with friends being grateful for the people in my life who make me happy, and it will all be accomplished without a rose in site. Until next time, don’t miss me too much.

Katherine is majoring in English education. She can be reached at [email protected]