Ever since 498 A.D., Valentine’s Day has been celebrated on Feb. 14. This holiday deserves much more credit than it receives, because it is one day out of the whole year to celebrate love.

In today’s society, people focus on the bad things in life. Whenever the news is turned on, the only topics seem to be crime, death, or bad weather. This negative impression is even attached with Valentine’s Day. People see the holiday as an excuse to complain about being single, but that defeats the whole purpose of the day of love.

People are busy these days. Between work and family, many people rarely sit and relax anymore. There are special days set aside for mothers, fathers, and grandparents, but Valentine’s Day is a day especially for everyone. The true meaning of Feb. 14 is not to spend more time cherishing your significant other, it is to treasure all love in the world. Even if you buy yourself some half-priced chocolate afterwards, you are gifting yourself.

That does not mean it is acceptable for people in relationships to slack off. In fact, this is the day a boyfriend or girlfriend should try his/her hardest to prove his/her love. Valentine’s Day is the most popular day in the world for proposals. This is always cute to watch. Whether it is something extravagant, like at the Empire State Building, or something simple such as putting a ring in a cupcake, it is still a grand gesture.

For people not planning to wed soon, gifts are adorable! Chocolate is amazing, and it’s been proven to improve your mood. Cuddling is always nice, because it is a holiday held in the winter. This winter, we’ve had a record setting number of single-digit degree days. Body heat would be appreciated.

If you are single this year, treat yourself and your parents! Parents had to give birth to you, spend thousands of dollars on you, and keep you in their home for over two decades. They deserve a box of chocolate or some flowers, though it does not even begin to thank them for all their hard work. Don’t forget yourself, either! You are a great person, so don’t forget to sleep in and enjoy that whole box of chocolates by yourself. You deserve it!