Stores have been covered in red and pink since Christmas ended. Whether you are love-sick or sick of love, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Time to decide if you are celebrating with someone special or celebrating alone waiting for all the discount chocolate on the 15th.

Just because you do not have a significant other does not mean you have to skip out on the Valentine’s Day celebrations. Take the time for a night of pampering yourself or spend the evening with friends to remind yourself that love can be platonic, too.

For those choosing celebrating alone or with friends:

• Hang out with your friends. Your single pals are probably lonely during this time of the year. By banding together to eat snacks and talk about your problematic love life, you will begin to realize you really are not alone in your struggles.
• If you do not have any friends, how about an evening watching rom-coms and crying? Make some brownies; put ice cream on top, too; grab a blanket, and cry because you are sad for the other people who have to go on dates tonight while you are lucky enough to be cozy on the couch in your comfy pjs.
• If you get too lonely spending the night solo, find a furry friend to keep you company. If you do not have a pet of your own, ask a friend to borrow theirs, or head to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter to pet some animals. It will be the purr-fect way to spend the night. 
• Maybe you are busy on Valentine’s Day. Do not worry, you can just wait until February 15th to celebrate. Be sure to stop by Walmart or Target to buy candy and teddy bears on clearance.               

Some are lucky enough to share the holiday with someone special. Worry and anticipation fills the air as the date comes closer, and people have to figure out how to show their admiration for their significant other. This day is not about spending the most money to spoil someone but rather finding sentimental ways to express it.

For those celebrating with a significant other:

• While movies make it seem like true love means spending a small fortune on a gift, it is not necessary. A home-made present will hold more meaning in the long run, and if your special someone does not see the effort and love , then he or she may not be the one. Some people are broke and just cannot afford to buy a present, and that is okay.
• Sometimes there is a special place of significance in a relationship. It could be where you had the first date or just where you had the best memories with someone. Instead of trying to impress them with a new place, go back and relive those memories.
• It is not necessary to go out, staying in is usually a reliable option. A fun activity could simply be staying in with blankets, popcorn, cuddles, and making fun of dumb romance movies. Maybe just skip the romance movies in general and just watch each other’s favorite movies. 

However you choose to celebrate this loved and hated holiday, just remember, it does not matter if you are single or have a valentine. The most important kind of love is self love which is often lost in all the commotion of Valentine’s Day.