It is that time of the year again. The most overrated day of the year: Valentine’s Day. Every year, we see couples rejoice each other’s presence through a mere exchange of chocolates and flowers. This cliché behavior is supported by millions of people around the world as an effort to celebrate love.

We waste billions of dollars on a day that shouldn’t only be remembered once a year and it is undoubtedly given more attention than needed. It is ironic how we spend a considerable amount of time and money on Valentine’s Day in the name of love but forget that this world is still a place that deserves more love and peace.

Here are eight things that deserve more attention than Valentine’s Day:

1. 815 Million People Still Go to Bed Hungry

This staggering statistic certainly deserves much more attention than it is given. World hunger is a sad reality that still holds true on Valentine’s Day and something worth thinking about given the profit that big businesses make out of selling thousands of chocolate products every year.

2. One Million People Commit Suicide Every Year

Suicide is not something that should be taken lightly and the world needs to become more aware of mental health issues. Surprisingly, some studies have shown that suicide rates reach at an all time high around Valentine's Day.

3. 1.3 Million College Students in America Graduate with Debt

It is no doubt that the youth of this country spend an unreasonable amount of money behind their education. Unfortunately, most aren’t privileged enough to have their parents pay for it.

4. Two Million Children Die Every Year from Preventable Diseases

Given the advances in medical technology, it is concerning that a massive amount of people do not have access to treatment.

5. Billions Of People Can’t Afford Safe Drinking Water

A third of the world has access to safe drinking water, but because of poverty they simply cannot afford it.

6. We Waste 887,000 Minutes on Facebook Every Month

The amount of time we spend on social media is outrageous and should be significantly reduced. All of that time could be used to invest into something more meaningful. Social media can also promote depression, especially since we always seek approval of others and feel worse about ourselves when we see pictures regarding other people's lives.

7. 8 Million Tons of Garbage Are Dumped in the Ocean Every Year

The amount of trash we produce has increased significantly over the years and is a matter that needs to be taken care of soon. Dumping garbage into the ocean can harm many vital forms of life and impact the future of mankind as well. Not to mention, the millions of additional chocolate boxes that are dumped each year after Valentine's Day.

8. 3.4 Million Dogs are Homeless

Just like humans, dogs need more love too and deserve a safe and flourishing environment to survive in.

It cannot be denied that all of the above things are a sad reality of the world we live in, and none of them will change overnight. These matters along with several others however deserve much more attention rather than a day where the prices of chocolates and flowers skyrocket.

Valentine’s Day is overly emphasized to the point where its purpose has become meaningless. Everyone is entitled to their own personal choice and celebrating Valentine’s Day may certainly be special to some people, but remembering your loved one every day and doing meaningful things for them is much more valuable than following a norm just because everyone else is.