I’ve never been much of a romantic. The cheesy, ultra-commercialized, box-of-chocolates version of Valentine’s Day isn’t at all appealing to me. 

But for some reason, I really like Valentine’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate all kinds of love, including platonic. And one thing I love doing every February is showing my friends how much they mean to me. Here’s how you can make the best of February 14th:

Instead of mourning what you don’t have, cherish what you do. If you’re not in a romantic relationship this Valentine’s Day, it truly is not the end of the world. I’ve known plenty of people who have moped around cause they don’t have a significant other to spend the holiday with. Remember that there are many people who love you, even if it’s not romantically. Remind them of your love. If you haven’t called your parents or grandparents in a while, Valentine’s Day is a great time to do that. Tell your friends how much they mean to you. I guarantee you it will make their day. 

Give out handmade Valentine’s to your friends. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by making your loved ones physical reminders of your love? Break out the construction paper! Markers! Stickers! All the craft supplies! Write long or short notes. Write out how you feel. Decorate them however you would like. If you’re more artsy, get creative with it! Channel your love into your craft. My favorite thing to make is crocheted hearts with small notes on them. People love little gifts.

Send snail mail! One of the greatest lost arts in recent history, as a result of the Internet, is the art of letter-writing. Nobody writes letters anymore. Valentine’s Day is a great time to revive it. It’s such a small gesture, but it truly does go a long way. Have fun with it, too! Decorate your letter and envelope however you like! Put small Valentine’s or stickers in with your letter. If you have friends or family who live further away, send them a piece of mail. It’s sure to be a nice surprise. (P.S. The campus mailroom sells individual stamps if you need to buy some.)

Go on a platonic date. Dates don’t always have to be with a romantic partner. Dinner, at home or out, with a friend can be a date. Invite your friend for a coffee or tea date. Host a movie night. It truly can be anything. You don’t have to limit yourself. Spending time with the people we love makes us feel better. Or get your friends flowers that will brighten up their day. Yellow roses are symbolic of friendship.

Host a Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day party. Have your friends all bring a dish and make it a food-lover’s dream. Fill your space with whimsical decorations. Play a good vibes playlist in the background. Plan a craft for everyone or play a game. Surround yourself with everyone you love and tell them you love them. Have fun with it!

Don’t forget about yourself. Self-love is just as important as any other type of love. Let this Valentine’s Day be a reminder to love yourself just as much as you would love someone else. Treat yourself. If you’ve been denying yourself the small, good things in life, take this February as an excuse to spoil yourself. 

Make this Valentine’s Day yours. Remember to celebrate the love in your life, whether it be your partner, your friends, your family, or yourself.