From absurd amounts of chocolate-covered fruits in heart boxes to the overwhelming amount of red and pink-themed cards, February is defined by the loving holiday of Valentine’s Day. Despite the serotonin-inducing stuffed animals and flowers, many high school students dread the holiday.

I’m not sure why such a bright holiday evokes negative emotions. What’s not to love about Valentine’s Day? As a lover of hearts and all things pink, Valentine’s decorations can be used year-round and there’s no shame in waiting for the discounted chocolate on Feb. 15.

Now, I’m not saying that Valentine’s Day rivals Christmas or Halloween. Valentine’s Day doesn’t even come close to the collective joy that those more notable holidays bring people, but there’s more to it than just lovebirds.

There’s a common misconception among high school students that you should get a romantic partner by Valentine’s in order to celebrate properly, but that’s not true. Valentine’s Day originated from a Roman festival that was eventually Christianized and dedicated to Saint Valentine who was executed for secretly marrying couples. Though marriage is primarily romantic, the holiday in general is a day to express affection to loved ones. There’s no rule that says that the affection expressed must be romantic.

Of course, I also recognize the worries of not being in a relationship during this time of year, but only 35% of high schoolers have had relationship experience with around 14% currently in a relationship. It’s more likely that none of your classmates will have a romantic partner for Valentine’s than it is for everyone to have one. So if seeing PDA from couples makes you feel like the odd one out—studies show that you’re not.

Romantic love isn’t the only form of love roaming around on this day; platonic and familial love is also present, even if you’re not looking for it. There are children making cards for their parents, friends opting for “Galentine’s”and homebodies buying face masks and flowers for themselves.

While I may sound crazy, the best way to experience Valentine’s Day isn’t to focus on romantic love. Let it come to you in hugs from friends and family, through buying a box of chocolates for yourself and watching a movie, or even buying a variety of Valentine’s goodies such as UNICEF and Key Club’s gift bags and singing valentines from MTPA.