In today’s commercial society, Valentine’s Day is heralded in with the shelves of CVS suddenly being covered in red and pink streamers and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates on full display. People in relationships are expected to buy flowers and candy and cards for their significant other; however, it’s just another cold February day for single people.

But it doesn’t have to be…

There are so many different kinds of love in my life and in the world. And for me, Valentine’s Day can be used for any type of love. Many people feel pressured to find a significant other around Valentine’s Day, especially in the age of social media when it’s so easy to see people who are happy and in love. But I think it’s especially important for high schoolers to realize they don’t need to date someone to have a good Valentine’s Day.

For at least the past few years, I’ve given my friends little cards and candy for Valentine’s Day and genuinely expressed to them how much I love and value them. Now I’m a very sentimental person, and if that’s too sappy for the general public, I understand, but there are plenty of other ways you can express your love for your friends to your comfort level. It doesn’t have to be just your friends either–you could do some chores, so your mom and dad don’t have to, buy your dog some treats, or write an email to a teacher, coach, or other mentor saying how much you appreciate them.

As we approach the one-year mark of this pandemic, it’s essential to reflect on who has helped us get through it all. Love is such an important force that drives us through our lives, and Valentine’s Day should be used as a day for any kind of love.