If you grew up in America, you were most likely introduced to Valentine’s Day at a young age. Young children in elementary schools all over the country anticipate the day they can exchange valentine’s treats with their classmates. Heart shaped candies, chocolate pieces, miniature valentine’s day cards, colorful sweets, and stickers circulate throughout the classroom on this key holiday. Later on in life, teens and adults still look forward to Valentine’s Day. When Asha Farquhar, a University of Hartford senior, was asked about what she thinks about when she thinks of Valentine’s day, she thinks of “love and romance, flowers, lots of pink and red, chocolates, candies, balloons, and appreciation.” Many people today think of similar gifts and practices.

However, what about those who do not have such positive views of Valentine’s Day? Perhaps you or someone around you is going through a recent breakup, has recently lost a loved one, or has negative memories associated with Valentine’s day. While Valentine’s day may be part of the mainstream culture, it is indeed not mandatory by any means. Some people choose not to take part in the customs of Valentine’s day for a wide range of reasons, and that is okay. Anyone can choose to take part in, or omit the practices of Valentine’s day.

For those seeking some ways to make a negative, or “blue,” Valentine’s better, there are many ways to do so. One of these ways is to show love to yourself and to others. It may be as simple as taking time for yourself, or saying a kind word to a friend or parent. If you are going through a tough Valentine’s Day, Asha suggests “treat yourself… practice self-care, get your favorite meal, get your nails done.” She continues, “You don’t need a valentine to be happy on Valentine’s Day. Take time for you. Be your own valentine.” When asked if she likes to give gifts, she responded saying that she loves to give gifts to her family members, even though she lives on campus.

Likewise, Ho Tang, another senior at the University of Hartford gives helpful advice. He states that those who have recently experienced a breakup should treat each day just like the next. He states, “If you happen to have a heartbreak, it’s just another day. Every day is going to be different. Enjoy what you do regardless.” This reminds us all: Make the most of every day you have, because you never know how many days you have left! This Valentine’s Day, keep your head up, find a way to express your love to those you care about, and remember that you can love others each day of your life. Your opportunities to act with love towards others and towards yourself are not limited to just Valentine’s Day!