Love it:

When I was seven, I dreaded the cold, disgusting month of February, save the day where candy and cards were sweet and plentiful — Valentine’s Day. I’m particularly nostalgic for the hand-made personalized boxes that invited the most elaborately designed cards from classmates. Everyone knew the best ones had loads of candy attached that made grade-school teachers worry about a sugar high. But who’s to say that all the fond memories we have of Valentine’s Day have to be a thing of the past by the time we’re in high school? It’s a chance to get yourself in a good mood and share that with other people to express how much you care.

Since we were seven, the majority of people have become bitter over the Cupid-orientated holiday. But how can you hate on a day that’s supposed to be dedicated to telling your loved ones how much you care about them?  If this past Valentine’s Day gave you a case of serious crankiness, I suggest you re-evaluate the holiday.

Personally, I enjoy Valentine’s Day for simple reasons, like everyone around you being extra kind to one another and exchanging gifts, whether it be a simple card or something more extravagant. Think about all the times someone has surprised you with something meaningful.You really don’t know how significant a small action can be to a friend, and how much it will brighten their day.

And presents aren’t always the most meaningful gift. Valentine’s Day is a great occasion to say something especially sweet to a friend or even a stranger; especially if you usually shy away from doing so. Tell them something you really appreciate about them as a person, or a trait they have that puts a smile on your face. It might sound weird to start randomly complimenting people, but you’d be surprised how natural it feels to be kind-hearted. Good Karma, right?

And look at it this way: It’s a holiday notorious for its secret admirers. Maybe this is your day to be not so secret and drop a hint to someone you’re interested in. It’s a sweet gesture to make, and it’s the one date committed to spontaneity and charm so why not give it a shot? (Plus you can use all those cheesy pick-up lines you’ve been waiting to use for a whole year.)

But Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to revolve around a boyfriend or girlfriend. You can spend it however and with whomever you want in order to boost your mood. Think about all the heartwarming movies in theaters around Valentine’s Day that are perfect to catch with a friend. And of course, there’s always the option to stay home and gossip with a bunch of girlfriends while sharing a box of chocolates.

Valentine’s Day, to me, is a time to pause and appreciate what’s around you. We get so invested in school, grades, money, and materialistic possessions that we can sometimes take for granted the people who we see everyday. They’re the people you remember and create memories with and it’s a great occasion to admire their efforts.

Whether you’re sick of hearing about love and mush and seeing flowers and chocolates or whether you absolutely relish the idea of a holiday representing affection, think carefully about what the message of Valentine’s Day is and what that in turn means to you. So instead of hating on the couples of the world, enjoy your Valentine’s Day, because even if you don’t have a significant other to spend it with, you have myriad people who appreciate you for being “you,” and want the opportunity to show it.

Hate it: 

Roses are red, violets are blue, and cupid still didn’t find you. The month of  “love” comes and goes every year, and every year more girls shed a tear… or two. The infamous Valentine’s Day, a day nobody except for girls with boyfriends like to celebrate. I hate to break it to you, but unfortunately this day is not as special as you hopeless romantics may think.

Feb. 14 is just like any other day plus the excessive PDA during passing time, and roses taped to lockers. There are a lot of things that stink about being alone on Valentine’s Day, such as having to buy your own chocolates with your own money. With that comes questions like “Why don’t I have a valentine?” Or statements such as “another year, still no valentine.” Well, let me tell you something, nobody feels bad for you. This holiday is a day full of self pity and when you think it can’t get much worse, it can.

One of the worst parts about this irrational holiday is having friends with boyfriends or girlfriends, leaving you to spend the holiday alone, once again. While they are out having a nice meal, you’re at home microwaving yours. And while they keep asking you what they should get their boyfriend, the necklace you put on hold for yourself is now sold out. So there you are again, annoyed and upset in the car, driving to buy more chocolates.

Luckily, some couples can agree that Valentine’s Day is a waste of time and money. Restaurants are packed due to all the prepared men who planned ahead and made a reservation. And fortunately, most dinner places have two-person tables, which I consider an uncomfortable, crowded  and inconvenient table that nobody wants. Going out to dinner also comes with seeing other couples gaze into each other’s eyes, an occasional marriage proposal, and most likely more unnecessary PDA. How enjoyable. If you really want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, why don’t you both stay in and cook some dinner together. Save yourself from spending $45 on a meal you didn’t enjoy due to the uncomfortable setting.

If the mob scene at the restaurant wasn’t disastrous enough, there are the presents—chocolates and roses are standard, and maybe even a teddy bear. Then comes the black velvet box, making you wonder what type of jewelry it will  be. There are really only four things men can get women on Valentine’s Day—necklaces, bracelets, earrings or a ring. The most cliche is the heart necklace. Buy that for your girlfriend and you’re digging yourself a hole. As soon as she opens that box and sees a heart necklace the reaction should sound like “OMG I love it! And I love you!”…. Uh oh. Little did you know, that heart necklace meant way more than you bargained for. It might as well be an engagement ring.

Single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is still an unbearable holiday. With all the PDA and pick up lines oozing with cheese, it seems as though there’s no way out. But thankfully, cupid only has enough arrows for one day of the year.