Some people say Valentine's Day is overrated. The heart-shaped chocolates, bouquets of roses, and giant teddy bears just add to the commercialization of the holiday, which only makes those who are single even angrier about February 14th. Valentine's Day has gradually gained the stereotype that only couples in perfectly romantic relationships can celebrate and that it must be filled with gifts, surprises, and an overly expensive dinner. Over time, it has gotten to the point that our generation believes Valentine's Day is the only day that is the most important time to celebrate love.

We should be celebrating love every day, not just on Valentine's Day.

Whether you're celebrating the love of your family, your friendships, or your romantic relationship, Valentine's Day is not the only day to show someone you love them. Be mindful of the little things in life. Show someone you care about them in a way other than the presents everyone else is buying. I believe it is much more meaningful to surprise your mom with a handwritten note, buy a movie ticket for your best friend, or send your boyfriend Insomnia Cookies on any given day when it is unexpected.

The receiver on the other side will be appreciative despite the circumstances, but that appreciation will only build when it catches him or her off guard.

Oftentimes we get caught up in each holiday and forget what the true meaning is. Valentine's Day has transformed into a competition. On social media, we see photos and Snapchat stories of someone's Valentine's Day plans or lack thereof. Those who are independent feel lonely, and those who are in committed relationships feel as if they must please their significant other by planning out the smallest details of one day.

This should not be the norm, especially when it comes to love.

My parents repeated this statement to me as I grew up. They were the embodiment of love to me, as they did not change their actions or attitudes just because of a holiday; they simply remained the same. They kissed each other goodbye before work, and they always welcomed each other with a hug upon arriving home. Because of my mom and dad, I discovered that love works all the time if you put the effort in. It is spontaneous on the most normal of days, and it does not falter. It is constant.

Today, I feel blessed to have found someone who has influenced me to become a better version of myself each day. I was not always in such a positive situation, however. In past years, I never celebrated Valentine's Day. Instead, I invited my girlfriends over, ordered a pizza, and ate tons of desserts made by my gracious parents while rocking out to Just Dance with pajamas on. Rather than moping about how we did not have a special someone to celebrate Valentine's Day with that year, we celebrated one another. We celebrated our friendship, food, and music.

Most importantly, we celebrated our wonderful lives together.

Though this year I have someone to celebrate the upcoming holiday with, we decided to refrain from changing our normal routine and treat February 14th as another day. Instead, we focus on bettering each other's lives when the other person least expects it. In this way, I remind myself that it is the average day that can ensure someone's love for you or your love for them. We are all capable of love, so it is important that we spread it throughout our world and community. As the weather gets cold and life gets tougher, love can provide some warmth to those who need it the most.

Love your friends, your family, and love yourself. You are never alone, even when you feel like it on one day in February. Take it upon yourself to enjoy and embrace those you love every day so that we can create a happier world filled with compassion, love, and care.