Valentine’s Day, the day you are either in love with your significant other and enjoying all the amazing wonders of the world or you are depressed with the rest of your lonely single friends rebelling against the worst day of the entire year.

It seems as though there has never been any in-between feelings regarding the day of bouquets of roses, chocolates, cheesy films, endless Man Crush Monday and Woman Crush Wednesday photos on your timeline, and most importantly, romantic love.

Society has done its job to set our minds in the mode where we feel obligated to have a valentine on, be it a fling of the moment or a long-term partner.

We have become so very accustomed to the belief that without a significant other, we are doomed, forever alone, unworthy, difficult to love, or maybe even impossible to want.

As the commercials and store advertisements roll out as the day slowly but surely creeps up on us, the wave of depression hits and we ask ourselves, “Why can I not have someone this year?”

It happens each and every year as we grow older and recognize the societal pressures to be with someone.

Looking back on all the previous years when I felt lonely on this either treasured or dreaded day, I begin to realize that it is just like any other day, just with a lot more pink and flowers.

I, for one, have never had a valentine and as the years continued to pass by, I stopped feeling obligated to.

It is because I have learned the rare yet empowering concept of self-love.

As someone who grew up with a determined and independent personality, I always liked going out into the world every day with a sense of productivity and strength within myself.

No hand trying to hold mine and keep me from achieving my goals, no voice inside my head telling me I had to be with someone in order to be confident and happy, none of that.

I have learned through watching myself grow with more and more contentment for who I am, that I am my own person and I am capable of providing myself with all the love I need, with or without another person by my side.

Valentine’s Day is a beautiful day to represent love and compassion, but there are many ways to express that. It does not have to be for and with a significant other; it could be for your best friend with a quick run to Starbucks for a treat.

It could be for your parents and their devoted relationship with a family dinner. It could even be for your teachers with thank you cards for all their hard work. Above all else, it could be for yourself.

Spend Valentine’s Day by yourself with a shopping spree as a reward for that A you scored on that science test, with Netflix and take-out for all the long hours you put in at your job or with a new hobby you always wanted to take on. Who knows?

You might fall in love with it. If the thought of being by yourself on such a day does not suit you entirely, go out and spread love to those around you, be it a simple compliment on a stranger’s hair, paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru or helping out at a soup kitchen for the less fortunate.

Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love and joy and it is most certainly not limited to romantic love! Use it as a day to grow as a kinder, more positive person with self-confidence.

Anything and everything is truly what you make of it, including this very day.

There is more to life than pitying yourself for being on your own. Use it as an advantage to improve your life! Valentine’s Day is all in your power and control. Make the best use out of the passing 24 hours. It will be over before you know it.