I hate Valentine’s day. Not just because I’m another hopeless romantic teenager without a valentine, but because it is celebrated for the wrong reasons. Valentine’s Day is not about giving gifts or receiving gifts from your significant other, but instead intended to acknowledge and spread your love to others. Appreciation of friends and family should always be acknowledged throughout the year, but Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to do so.

We all bash on this day of love because of the pictures of obnoxious heart shaped chocolate boxes, and teddy bears with flowers in its hands invading our Twitter and Instagram newsfeed, but focusing on what you don’t have doesn’t do you any good. Sure, every guy or girl wants a valentine on the “Day of Love,” but that factor should not restrict your ability to enjoy this wonderful holiday.

Also, why be mad or annoyed with others for showing affection for the ones they love?

Needless to say, Valentine’s day should be celebrated no matter what your current relationship status is. You don’t have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend in order to love someone. Personally, I love my friends and would do anything for them, and I think that should be just as equally acknowledged as any other type of love that we have restricted Valentines to.

Yeah, you may receive that special note from someone, confessing their undeniable love for you, but honestly the odds of that happening are slim to none. So don’t beat yourself up over it because it won’t do you any good. Instead focus on those who love you that are already in your life.

But even though you choose not to make the best out of your Valentine’s day, it doesn’t mean you should make it miserable for everyone else. Don’t be angry because other people have that “special day” that you so greatly desire, but instead be happy for them.

So this Valentine’s be sure to appreciate your family and friend’s love, but also the love that should be given to yourself. It’s The self love that should be valued on this special day. This should not be dependant on who loves you or if you were given a rose from a boy, but rather based on the value that you hold yourself to.

So yeah, this holiday might not be your favorite time of the year, but just try to make the best of it. Sometimes life sucks, but things won’t change unless you change your attitude and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to do so.