Valentine’s Day has arrived, and I think there is much to be said about the holiday. Many people think Valentine’s Day is just for couples.

Personally, I would disagree.

Valentine’s Day may not be my favorite holiday, but I appreciate the message it sends: spread love to those in your life, even if you are single like me.

Friends, family or even pets can be a valentine if you are single. You can even ask yourself to be your valentine and spoil yourself with stuffed toys, candy or maybe even a bouquet for your table.

I usually celebrate with my family, buying gifts for my parents and brother. But there are times that I do feel left out because I am not in a relationship.

This Valentine’s Day, I have focused more on myself, buying a cute stuffed toy at Walmart to make me feel included, maybe even looking at candy to see what catches my eye.

Sometimes treating yourself is better than focusing your attention on others, especially if you’re having a hard time.

But Valentine’s Day isn’t about gifts. It is about the people you care about. Having someone to share your love with on a holiday based on compassion is great, but it’s not the entire thing.

Sometimes we do need to focus on ourselves. Other times we should focus on others. Love is universal, and sometimes the best love is aimed at yourself.

As we get closer to Valentine’s Day this year, my hope is for everyone to see how much others care for them. People should love themselves with the same compassion that our friends, relatives and acquaintances have for us.

To me, Valentine’s Day is about spending time with people you care about. Spend time with those you love, check up on friends or classmates during the semester. More than likely they will greatly appreciate your concern, especially when they’ve been busy with classes and homework.

In my personal experience, talking with a classmate when you notice they are having a bad day usually brightens their day. You could be that anchor in their semester to remind them to take a deep breath and slow down.

Valentine’s Day is about on love of all kinds. You can focus on romantic love, or you can focus on friendships and acquaintances. Love can come in many different forms that we don’t think about.

We can’t just focus on one type even if that type is the most referred to. All types of love exist and need a focus on a holiday about passion and care.

Valentine’s Day needs to focus on yourself, your friendships and your acquaintances so that everyone can feel comfortable and included in a holiday that focuses on loving each other no matter what.

Michelle Doty can be reached at 581-2812 or at mrdoty@eiu.edu.