To everyone on Valentine’s Day,

Whether if you are single or in a relationship, I just have one request: let people enjoy the day however they want if they decide to celebrate. If someone does not want to celebrate, do not force them to or make others feel bad for their decision.

For single people, please do not ruin Valentine’s Day for yourself or for those in a relationship. Relationships are not easy by any means, and they are not supposed to be. Let those in a relationship enjoy one day where they can celebrate how far they have come.

I participated in Singles Awareness Day up until I got to college. After realizing that I clearly was not making my situation any better by dwelling on the fact a boy did not like me, I decided to start self-love day. Self-love day made Valentine’s Day as a single woman easier to go through and kept positive energy going, which I much needed.

My point is that instead of thinking so much about being single, take a step back and do something for yourself. Keyword being for and not about. Be selfish for a day. Go take an extra nap, get a massage, sit on your couch with popcorn and Netflix, or maybe go out with some friends. Have fun and do not think of Valentine’s Day as just something to celebrate with a partner or have it be a painful reminder. Take a day of self care; you deserve it.

For those in a relationship, please do not be obnoxious about celebrating Valentine’s Day. It might just be me being a more private person, but do not plaster your entire day on social media. Do not get me wrong, I am happy for you and your partner for finding each other, but it is important to disconnect and spend time with each other. Disconnect for the day, maybe post once or twice because there is nothing wrong with being excited, and enjoy the time with your significant other. Relationships can end in an instant, so enjoy every moment you have with that person.

If you are in a relationship, please do not make your single friends feel bad or try to pair them up with someone just for Valentine’s Day. That generally does not end well. Some people know that they are not ready for a commitment nor desire a hook up. Some people are naturally okay with not celebrating Valentine’s Day, and we should acknowledge that.

Personally, I've always felt confused by Valentine’s and Sweetest Day. I never understood why someone would use it as an excuse just to buy something for someone. Why would you only celebrate the love and appreciation for someone on those two days alone? Why should we buy “lavish” gifts just to show someone we care? Why shouldn’t you let your partner know that you appreciate them whenever you get a chance? I personally enjoy those acknowledgments out of the blue. It is the little things that mean the most to me, and probably you as well.

Nothing is better than hearing someone tell you that they care about you and want to be with you, or that they are there for you and support you. In what feels like a time of negative energy, we need all of the positivity we can get. Show someone, romantic or not, that you care. It could mean the world to them.

Valentine’s Day is a day of appreciation and love. Whether you are taken, single, or somewhere in between, make sure to remember one thing: love yourself. For me, it is still something I struggle with on a day-to-day basis, but loving yourself is the best thing you can do regardless of relationship status.