Dear Valentine’s Day haters,

I know you dislike this flower-giving, chocolate-eating, kiss-smothering holiday we call Valentine’s Day. Unlike the more popular, or well-liked, holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day tends to have a different reputation. Christmas usually means families coming together, holiday dinners, present exchanging, and just an overall warmth. Valentine’s Day however, is usually more or less a combination of high expectations, a smidgen of disappointment, overpriced chocolates, roses that brown by the end of the week, the wide variety of colors that is red or pink, and an expensive dinner for two.

Individually, there might be multiple reasons why some may hate this holiday, perhaps it’s because your boyfriend sucks at planning romantic dates or that your girlfriend is way to picky to ever please. Maybe it’s because you’re one of those gung-ho love-is-everywhere people who always say, “Oh Valentine’s Day is stupid. I love and spoil them every day!” If those reasons fail to ring any bells, then maybe the hatred for Valentine’s Day stems from the infinite famous reason: This holiday is just another reminder that you’re single.

As shocking as this may seem, the phrase “Table for one, please,” somehow lacks the pleasure of a beautiful candlelit dinner for two.

In all seriousness, why do so many people have such a negative perspective on Valentine’s Day? Yes, this holiday is geared more toward couples who still find themselves “falling in love more and more every day,” but it doesn’t have to be. Valentine’s Day has a strong and beautiful history, beyond chocolate hearts and rose petals.

Legend says that during the third century A.D., Saint Valentine, a Roman priest, served during the time of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius was in need of a strong army and felt that his soldiers lacked their commitment to fight due to the wives and families they were forced to leave behind. As a result, Claudius then banned all marriages, which Valentine felt was shameful and unethical. In secret, Valentine continued to marry couples until Claudius fell suspicious, arrested him and sentenced him to death.

While Valentine sat in his cell, it is said that the couples he married often visited him and passed flowers and notes through the bars to thank him for what he did and for what he allowed them to do. Around the year 278 A.D., Valentine was executed on Feb. 14 but not before he left a note for his jailer’s daughter whom he fell in love with; the note was signed, “From your Valentine.”

Aside from the significant history of Valentine’s Day, there should be an appreciation for what it stands for and what it can do. Maybe your significant other has a history of planning a few crummy dates or has extremely high standards. It’s the thought that counts. In love, the best you can do should be more than enough.

Of course showing your significant other love and affection every day is highly ideal, for the most part, it’s almost impossible. Valentine’s Day is the day where all the overlooked sacrifices and the things left unsaid are acknowledged.

And yes, being single during the time of heart-shaped everything and romantic movie marathons on television can be difficult. That’s ok. Throw a singles-only party with your friends or send your parents a Valentine’s Day card. Valentine’s Day is more than a day for couples only. It’s about love.

So if this letter fails to change your mind or if the skepticism of Valentine’s Day still remains, just keep this in mind,

After Valentine’s Day is over, there are huge sales on the chocolates and candies that were left unbought. So my dear friend, go buy some 50 percent off Valentine’s Day themed Hersey’s chocolate, kick back and relax, and treat yourself because you are your own special Valentine.