I don’t mean to brag, but this is going to be my 19th Valentine’s Day in a row that I’ve spent without a significant other. It’s my new record.

Despite this fact, I still love Valentine’s Day. My friends think I’m crazy. People wonder why I get so excited about this holiday that seems to revolve around couples. Well, here I am to explain it once and for all.

The way I see it, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love—all kinds of love. And love is a beautiful thing that the world seems to have a skewed definition of. If you’re somebody who gets upset around this time or claims to hate Valentine’s Day because you don’t have a significant other, I have something to tell you: romantic love is not the only type of love.

For the longest time, I myself thought that the definition of love was strictly romantic love—marriage, the stuff you see in rom-coms, etc., etc.

However, as I’ve grown older (and read some books e.g., “The Four Loves” by C.S. Lewis and the Bible), I’ve realized that love is actually a way broader term, and in reality, you can love everyone that you know or meet.

There are so many types of love: friendship, love for your family, and simply showing love, kindness, and respect to your peers and even to strangers. Love can be found anywhere and between anyone. There is love between a parent and child, love between two friends who have known each other for years, love between a stranger and a person who does an act of kindness.

When you really stop and think about it, it’s crazy how much love is out there, and I think that’s awesome. If you were to make a list of people in your life that you love, I’m sure you’d find that there are a ton of people that love you too and bring joy and fun into your life, regardless of your relationship status.

While it’s way easier to be bitter or sad if you’re single this Valentine’s Day, I challenge you to spend the day with people you love, no matter the type of love. I think romantic relationships are so sweet, but just because you’re single does not mean you have to miss out on celebrating this holiday.

I’m happy to say that on February 14th I plan on sporting my headband with heart antennas and showing love to my family, friends, and peers to celebrate my third favorite holiday. I hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day this year and remember that you are always loved!