Anna Rinaggio, Campus Carrier opinions editor

Remember back in third grade when we used to pass out Valentines to all our classmates? You would beg your mom to let you get the cool little dinosaur cards and then spend the evening writing out all your classmates names and sticking a lollipop to each one. Maybe you would give your crush the one that says “you make my heart ‘saur’” with a pterodactyl carrying a heart. Then everyone would make a little Valentine’s “mailbox” for their cards and candy. Why don’t we do that anymore? 

 It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is primarily marketed towards couples. There is an endless amount of pressure to not only have a romantic valentine, but to get them chocolates, flowers, a sweet card and a candle lit dinner. The emphasis tends to be entirely on romance, though. Galentine’s sometimes gets an honorable mention, but other than that, we have a tendency to ignore the other kinds of love in our lives that we could be celebrating on Valentine’s Day. 

The fact that Valentine’s Day is marked towards romantic couples does not mean that we can’t also celebrate our friends and family whom we love, too. Especially if you don’t have a romantic partner to celebrate with, spending Valentine’s Day with your best friends or family members is a great way to show appreciation for the different kinds of love in your life. Even better, you won’t have to worry about buying the perfect gift or planning the perfect date. 

Galentine’s is a great example of celebrating your love for your friends, but it doesn’t have to be the only way. Whether you’re a “gal” or not, celebrating Valentine’s with your friends can be a lot of fun. It doesn’t have to be a big get together where you and 15 of your friends dress up and make dinner together — it can be as simple as making homemade cards and perhaps a small, thoughtful gift for just one or two friends. 

It can be even simpler than that, too. Just telling your friends that you love and appreciate them goes a long way. A silly electronic valentine that you send over text is a low-effort way to show you care. The point is, you don’t have to plan out something extravagant to celebrate your friends on Valentine’s Day. A simple “thanks for being my friend” is all it takes. 

Celebrating your family is another great way to spend Valentine’s Day. Tell your parents and siblings that you love them. Call your grandparents to tell them that you’re thinking of them. Text your favorite cousin and let them know that they are appreciated. Familial love is so unique and special, but we sometimes take it for granted. What better day than Valentine’s to remind your family how special they are to you? 

Perhaps there are other important people in your life that you want to celebrate, too. Do you want to appreciate your hallmates or coworkers? Your advisor or mentor? Don’t let the overly romantic connotations of Valentine’s Day stop you from letting the people around you know that you care about them. 

If you have a romantic partner in your life, you should of course celebrate with them and show how much you love them. Don’t let that be an excuse for you to not show your friends and family a little love, though. Valentine’s Day calls for a celebration of all kinds of love, whether it’s a romantic partner, family member, best friend, favorite coworker or important mentor in your life.

 So, this Valentine’s Day, consider getting those cool dinosaur cards for your friends with the lollipop attached. Send your parents a pink construction paper heart that you cut out and wrote a cute note on. Leave a piece of candy outside your hallmates’ doors. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to let all the important people in your life know that you love and appreciate them, so go ahead and do it already!