Nothing is better than genuine love, and it comes in many forms. It is not the type of love that can be shared between people romantically, but it is felt between friends and family too. As Valentine’s Day approaches, I admit I have avoided thinking about it. I often roll my eyes at the sappiness and just want the day to pass. This time I am deciding to look at the day differently and give examples of what I think love is.

Love is a smile. A smile the crosses the face of a mother, father, sibling, friend, or stranger. A smile that brightens the room because the happiness is radiating from their face. You may even get the smile out of a dog if you rub them just in the right spot on their tummy.

Love is like a child, innocent and full of awe. It waits to see what the world has in store for it, and the excitement is hard to shake.

Love is a medium French fry from McDonald's that you are sharing with a friend during a late night adventure. Simple and to the point, there is no way to a person’s heart quite like good ol' McDanks.

Love is a star, twinkling extra brightly in the evening but maintaining its presence during the day. It may seem small to some, but to a few it looks a little different. It shines so beautifully and meaningfully in a sky full of mystery.

Love is the way a pet looks at you. My dog looks at every person in my family like we are the best person in the world. It has a different way of making you feel extra special.

Love is laughter. That deep belly laugh that comes out and maybe shocks people. Tears might flow down your face because you are laughing that hard. However, that is the best laugh. It is so pure and full. Life needs these moments.

Love is true happiness, and it is found everywhere. Everyone feels it and finds it in places unique to their own. It makes a lot better, and it helps people get through days they are not sure they can face. It is such a great thing to find. If you think hard enough, I’m sure you can think of someone or something that brings you this feeling.

This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re with a significant other or not, I hope you find and feel love within these different things I mentioned. I know this can be a hard day for people who feel like they do not have someone to share it with, but it does not have to be that way. Love who you have and what you have in your life, because there are not many better things than genuine love out there.