Feb.14, as a general rule, is seen as either a day to “remember you are alone” or to show off your loved one. The day is either widely anticipated or absolutely dreaded. The difference in feeling toward the day is ultimately the difference of whether people are in a relationship or not. Those without a significant other often bash the holiday, Valentine’s Day, as it only reminds them of being single. This is an example of essentially spitting on the celebration of love.

This is the response toward one of the most genuine commercialized holidays.

As our generation has grown up, we have been almost taught to feel that way toward Valentine’s Day if there is not “that special someone” to shower with love. Everyone on social media publicly defies the holiday, showing pity and despair for their single selves. Celebrities, YouTubers and social media faces we cherish talk down the holiday, generalizing it as a big commercial day to remind single people that they are single, as if it is a bad thing. Naturally, we tend to do the same.

This is not how we should react to a day meant for love. Love is supposed to be genuine, joyous and celebrated between not only lovers but all of mankind. People can love on neighbors, parents, teammates and best of all, friends. Single people can enjoy it too. Valentine’s Day, while it may be largely commercialized (but what holiday is not) is one of the greatest holidays to be celebrated nationally. It is a day full of love, a day full of cherishing loved ones and day to celebrate the simple fact that love exists. Shower loved ones with recognition and remind them and let them know they are loved, be it a mother, father, aunt or best friend.

Valentine’s Day does not have to be a day just for couples. It should be a day to embrace any loved ones.

Photo:Taylor Woods | The Oswegonian