Before you read any further, I want to clarify in the best way possible that what you're about to read is not coming from someone who's salty that they've been single their entire life and has spent every Valentine's Day alone and therefore is angry about it. While I am in fact and have always been, single, I promise with my whole heart that this article is not fueled by jealousy or anger.

I have always hated Valentine's Day. Every single year when February 14th rolls around and I see store shelves filled to the brim with giant boxes of chocolates and couples racing to get reservations at a fancy restaurant for this one night of the year, I can't help but not see the appeal in it all. While I think the sentiment of the holiday is lovely and that the world can always use more love, I just cannot see the purpose of there being a day designated to expressing your love for someone in your life.

My parents have been happily married for almost 28 years now. Their relationship is something I have always admired and something I have always aspired to have myself someday. I have watched my parents support each other through hard times, through great times, and all the days in-between when everyday life is just that. The love that they have for each other is indescribable, and while they're not the kind to constantly show off to the world how much they love each other, everyone knows of the incredible relationship they have. Something that I've noticed about my parents is that no matter how long they have been together, Valentine's Day has always been just another day in the life. Yes, they will write each other cards and go out to dinner the following weekend, but this is nothing different of what goes on daily in their lives.

If my parents' relationship has taught me anything, it's that there should be no special designated holiday to express your love and affection towards someone special in your life. If you truly love someone and value the relationship you have with them, every day should be "Valentine's Day." No, that does not mean that you have to buy them boxes of chocolate every week or buy dozens of roses that will simply end up wilting and dying, but there does not need to be a certain day in the year to express your love. If you truly love someone in your life, you should be making an effort every day to express your adoration and affection towards them. In my opinion, Valentine's Day is simply a day for people to flaunt their relationships on social media and spend ridiculous amounts of money showering their significant other in gifts.

But why can't that be done at any time of the year?! And it should! You shouldn't need a holiday to remind you that you love someone, or that they deserve to know it.

Every day in your relationship should be a small reminder to your loved one that you admire them and are grateful to have them in your life. I hope to find someone someday that looks at me the same way my dad looks at my mom, and when I do, I will be sure to let them know how much I love them. One silly random day in the year should not be the excuse to suddenly remind you that you love someone. If you truly do, you'll be sure to express it every day.