As Joel from “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” once said “Valentine’s Day is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap.” I couldn’t tell you if I believe that companies such as Hallmark could be this greedy or if it was truly a holiday created in order to celebrate the ones we love. All I know is that I am over Valentine’s Day. 

     I have a love-hate relationship with this lovey-dovey holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love watching iconic, cringey romantic-comedies such as “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days” and “10 Things I Hate About You.” I also enjoy eating my feelings with all the chocolate and candy that my mom, who happens to be my valentine every year, got for me. But the one thing that I cannot stand about this holiday — you probably already know where I’m going with this — is how I have never been able to spend it with that special someone.

    The negative outlook I have on this holiday stems from the same source. You guessed it! Society. I blame society for putting such a great emphasis on having a significant other for this holiday. I feel like I am constantly seeing advertisements that say “Dinner for 2” or jewlery stores that always have some sort of sale going on during the beginning of February; and let me tell you, I’m sick of it. Personally, it almost feels like I’m inept, or even flawed, because I’m not spending Valentine’s Day in a romantic partnership. Even if you say you don’t need anybody on this holiday, it’s inevitable that you will get somewhat jealous of the other grand gestures that people are doing for their partners. I try to keep in mind that being by myself is totally normal and that I’m one of millions that will be spending the holiday solo, but I still feel a slight heartache. 

     I feel nostalgic thinking about how in elementary school, classes would end early and the whole grade would hold a party to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The part I miss the most is how every person would get a valentine; no one was ever left out and it always gave you a warm feeling knowing that you were an important part of someone else’s life. My favorite valentine that I ever received was last year from one of my best friends, and she gave me a giant card and teddy bear; which I have both in my room still to this day. Now I sit around moping about not going out and celebrating. 

     For the past couple of years, my friends and I have found some way to celebrate the less mainstream holiday, that is known as Galentine’s Day; this holiday is celebrated on Feb. 13, one day before Valentine’s Day. One of my favorite television characters, Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” defines Galentine’s Day as, “only the best day of the year.” This holiday is the perfect way to get my mind off of my relationship status because I am able to spend time with those who mean the most to me. This time together is priceless and one of my top priorities. The best part of Galentine’s Day is that it can be celebrated multiple times throughout the year. 

     Overall, I do enjoy Valentine’s Day, but I despise the stigma surrounding it, indicating that you must have a partner in order to celebrate the holiday correctly. This year I will be spending the day solo, for the 18th time, but it’s ok because I will be making the most of it.

     If you are solo as well, I have a few suggestions for you. First, make sure that you are spreading the love to everyone in your life, because by doing something special for a friend, you could make your day 10 times better. Second, definitely watch one of those cringey rom-coms I was talking about earlier; Parade.com has a list of the 25 Best Valentine’s Day Movies for Singles. Third, stuff yourself with all the candy you want because you deserve it. And finally, there’s always next year.