Chocolate. Teddy Bears. Flowers. These cutesy words often conjure up the vision of Valentine’s Day, but it has come to the point where Valentine’s Day is seen as a looming, disastrous holiday that is meant to rain on the parade of the singles.

However, not all couples consider Valentine’s Day the best day of the year. Society has a relatively negative perception of the holiday and, overall, has materialized it greatly.

“If Valentine’s Day had a real meaning, it’s definitely gone now,” Tiana Ross (11) said.“It has turned into glorifying cheap presents and chocolate.”

Her boyfriend, Sean Laughlin (11), shares a similar idea. To some, Valentine’s Day has become a holiday where only the physical and material characteristics matter. The Valentine’s Day that is seen in the movies is different from the reality.

“I feel like people expect too much from it,” Laughlin said

The holiday, however, is more than giving gifts to a significant other. Valentine’s Day is about appreciating the ones around you, not only in a romantic way.

“It’s a day dedicated to the ones you love and to thank them and treat them for the things they do.” Riley Kelly (11) said

Lovers are more than just significant others. Parents, friends and a support system also fall into that category. Although people can argue that showing those people affection should be a daily activity, Valentine’s Day gives way for everyone to remind themselves of the importance of the people around them.

Valentine’s Day is a holiday for everyone, couple or not. If people push past the negative barrier that society is perceiving it as then the holiday can be genuinely embraced for what it really is. We should work towards looking at Valentine’s Day as more than what is on the surface, past the negativity. Appreciate the people around you, and dedicate the day to show them you care. The chocolates and flowers are just a plus.