Valentine’s Day has always been framed as a day for couples. It is publicized as a lovey-dovey day where couples show how much they mean to each other. It often involves gift giving, roses, reservations, and, of course, properly planned social media posts. While Valentine's Day can make couples feel special, the way it is defined often leaves many people out.

This season, I want to question how Valentine's Day is for others, not just for me. As someone in a long-term relationship, I want to help my friends and peers feel included in a holiday that spotlights what they are missing out on. I hate seeing my friends feel lonely and discouraged, especially when I feel like my own relationship is being forced on them.

​Even being in a relationship does not necessarily make Valentine’s Day easy. I understand the loneliness and feeling of exclusion during this holiday. The last couple of years, my holiday has been spent wishing I could see my significant other, who lives 15 hours away. This experience has reminded me that the holiday, even being centered around couples, can still make it harder.

Couples in person also have their own struggles. Many couples face the challenge of upholding the perfect image of Valentine’s Day in their minds. This can often lead to disappointment at the end of the day or arguments over how the day went.

I believe that Valentine’s Day needs to be more inclusive. On our campus, we have done a great job of recognizing that love is not just about relationships but about friendships, family, and self-love. This year, on campus, clubs are offering a service to deliver flowers not only to significant others but also to friends. This is the right idea. We need to make Valentine's Day more about the opportunity to intentionally show support for your loved ones who are there for you throughout the year. Other ways that you can celebrate Valentine's Day on campus can be writing notes, sharing a meal, or checking in on someone who means something to you.

Celebrating relationships, not only ones with significant others but with your support system, allows Valentine’s Day to be a lot more of a day of celebration rather than a day of comparison. If we choose to celebrate Valentine's Day this way, we will create a space where everyone can thrive and not feel left out. Valentine’s Day is about care, gratitude, and intention. If we redefine it this way, February 14th does not serve as a reminder of what you do not have, but rather of everything we should appreciate in our lives.

This shift also encourages social awareness. I believe it is an important skill to develop before we enter the real world. I think college is the perfect time to adapt our lifestyle, such as how we celebrate holidays. I challenge myself and all readers to be more socially aware this holiday season.