A lot of times, people really get down in the dumps when it comes to Valentine’s Day. The majority of these people are single, and they think because they do not have a significant other that this holiday is just supposed to be sad, lonely and depressing for them.

To a certain extent, I can understand why people would feel this way. I am single also, and it is very easy for me to be down on Valentine’s Day. But, I choose not to be.

Just because I do not have a boyfriend this year does not mean I cannot celebrate this holiday. I can choose to spend it celebrating with my friends who I love and who are dear to me. I mean seriously, what is better than watching chick flicks and stuffing our faces with candy?

It upsets me to see people who spend this particular day being upset. Maybe a bad break up recently happened or they lost their significant other, and I can understand why people would be upset. But, we cannot let the happiness other people who are in relationships bring us down.

I consider Valentine’s Day to be a lot like Thanksgiving. Clearly, there is a difference but on Valentine’s Day I like to look back and appreciate all the people who I love in this world, my family, friends etc. Those people will always be there for you so why not dedicate the holiday to them?

If it makes you feel any better, there are a lot of couples who do not even celebrate Valentine’s Day. Those people feel that we do not have to have a specific day to celebrate the love we have for our significant other. I tend to agree with them, but at the same time it is nice to have one day where couples can go out and have a nice meal, see a movie or just spend the evening at home together.

My point is, do not think that you are unworthy of celebrating this holiday just because you are single. There are plenty of things to celebrate in life and you can either sit at home all sad and depressed or choose to spend the day celebrating other people in your life that you are truly grateful for. I plan to spend the holiday doing the latter.

Andrew Paisley is a junior journalism major. He can be reached at 581-2812 or at abpaisley@eiu.edu.