Walking down the streets of Market Square on Valentine’s Day, what do you see? Happy couples hand in hand, looking for the perfect place to sit and enjoy their holiday dinner. Smiling, laughing, and thoroughly basking in each other’s company.

On Valentine’s Day, you are either one of these people, or you are Samantha Hindman, who is sitting in her dorm watching Minecraft “Let’s Plays”.

Hindman, a freshman journalism major, is one of the millions of people in the world who is going to be single this Valentine’s Day. Like most, this holiday does not cause as much joy for Hindman as it does for others.

There is a long preconceived notion that people are not allowed to be single and happy on Valentine’s Day. Though this has been a cultural phenomenon for years, Hindman chalks it up to the media.

“The media bombards you with images of happy couples and couples’ pricing and couples’ drinks and couples’ t-shirts and couples’ mugs and couples’ dates and couples’ trips to romantic getaways… it makes you feel lonely,” Hindman said.

When people feel down about not having a significant other on Valentine’s Day, they end up filling in the “emptiness” with a replacement. For Hindman, she will hang out with friends and spend time with the others on her floor.

Samuel Cholodofsky, a freshman SAEM major, also thinks that is the best way to spend Valentine’s Day.

“Spend time with friends, get the heart-shaped nugget tray at Chick-fil-A. It will all work itself out,” Cholodofsky said.

This is not to bring shame to the people in relationships, of course. Everyone is meant to be happy on this holiday, with or without someone. Jenna Delmonte, another freshman who is majoring in broadcast production and media management, is your local college friend who, though in a relationship, believes that you should “live it up” on Valentine’s Day if you are single.

“Don’t be sad if you’re not in a relationship because even though they’re great, they’re not all that they’re cracked up to be,” she said. “Being single is fun, and you can do whatever you want. It’s your holiday!”

Another reason to not put yourself down on Valentine’s Day is the money. According to Business Insider, in 2019, Americans were expected to spend over $20.7 billion on the holiday. Not only are you not contributing to the revenue, but you can smile at the fact that your bed is free of giant stuffed teddy bears.

In reality, Valentine’s Day is not meant only for those in relationships. Do not dread the day because you do not have a significant other; look forward to it so you can spend time with the friends and family that matter to you. The holiday is meant to celebrate love and relationships;,  not just romantic relationships.

Tell your friends how much you love them. Call your family and see how they are doing. Let us spread the love this year and not envy it.