Love influences most, if not all human actions. Love for family, friends, possessions, success and even ourselves. Doesn’t it make sense to celebrate the emotion that drives us?

Allow me to clarify: acting out of love does not mean doing the right thing all the time. Love makes us do some stupid, reckless things, but it is always in the backs of our minds. For this reason, Valentine’s Day is worth recognizing. It allows men and women, young and old alike, to express the feelings behind their actions.

If you are one of those Valentine’s Day haters that say it isn’t a real holiday, I’ve got to ask, what constitutes a holiday? Easter, Thanksgiving, Veteran’s Day and many more are all considered holidays and serve a similar purpose as Valentine’s Day. Each is meant to emphasize and recognize a person, figure or event that plays a significant role in our lives. This is not to say that we shouldn’t value these things every other day; it is just a chance for the nation to collectively celebrate.

Love is also not reserved for a romantic relationship. People tend to be misled, thinking that Valentine’s Day is useless to the romantically uninvolved. This is completely false. It’s the perfect opportunity to remind friends and family that they are in our hearts. Every year I usually spend a few dollars on small things for my closest friends as a reminder of how much I care for them. At the very least, most people send a nice text or make a fun card.

Sure, Valentine’s Day is commercialized, but so is every other holiday. So just sit back, relax and feel the love. It’s all around you so why not enjoy it?