Pink and red decorated store aisles, cheesy cards flew off the shelves, and cut-out hearts were abundant as Feb. 14 loomed.

This holiday, although typically intended for couples, can be the ideal opportunity for anyone to spread love, romantically or platonically.

Valentine’s Day, the only holiday centered around love, provides the typically unromantic with an opportunity to display affection.

Each year, those who struggle to find the right words are provided with the tools to show someone they care. Seemingly commercial things such as flowers and chocolate are confidence-boosters in disguise.

Besides the inevitable assurance for the person who receives gifts or cards on this day of love, confidence can sprout in the individual who gives the present. Similar to any other holiday, there are commercial aspects incorporated with Valentine’s Day, but the true spirit falls with the history behind it.

In the third century in Rome, Emperor Cladius II outlawed marriage for young men, declaring it mandatory for soldiers to be single. But St. Valentine chose to defy this law by continuing to marry couples in secret.

Upon finding out about these secret marriages, Emperor Cladius threw Valentine in jail. One story suggests, while in jail, Valentine was the first to send a “valentine” to his own love, who is assumed to be the jailer’s daughter. He signed this letter, “From your Valentine.”

This ancient story of love still reigns today with the tradition of card-giving.

The Feb. 14 holiday began with the selfless act of St. Valentine, risking his own life for someone else’s love. This sacrifice is one of the most important aspects of Valentine’s Day that should be reiterated to both genders throughout the world.

Every Valentine’s Day, one billion cards are sent across the world, according to the Greeting Card Association. Although this day is thought to be centered around couples, the most greeting cards are actually given to teachers and students in elementary school.

These elementary school students are far more in the spirit of the holiday than others. The requirement to bring valentines to every student in a class encourages the “love everyone” message this holiday epitomizes.

Many people are turned off by the idea of a day of love if they have no significant other on Valentine’s Day, or as playfully nicknamed “Single Awareness Day.” However, this holiday can be celebrated among friends, families or even fellow classmates and allow an individual to feel anything but alone.

Each Valentine’s Day, 51 percent of people are single. Spending the day with people you love rather than sulking is a much more rewarding way to spend this holiday.
Instead of feeling solitude on VD and being taunted by the decorative hearts, use this holiday this holiday as an opportunity to brighten someone else’s day.