In high school there were 2 groups of people when it came to Valentine’s Day.

There were the couples. They made out in front of their lockers between classes. You’d try hard not to hear sucking noises or see tongues while you innocently tried to get your books for algebra. And when Valentine’s Day came around, girls would carry chocolates from class to class, or a giant stuffed teddy bear that their boyfriend had bought them.

Then there were the single people. They were all “Ef Valentine’s Day! Boycott it! It’s a fake holiday! You don’t need a special day to tell someone you love them!”

Then there was me. I was a mix of the two. I’d don pink and or red, pass out brownies, and always let people know I love them! I may have gotten weird looks. That girl is crazy bubbly. And it didn’t make much sense, I’m sure, since I was single.

Then, from 18 on, I was in a relationship. I didn’t love February 14 any more or any less because of this change. I still wore my heart-shaped hair pin, bought (and ate) a ridiculous amount of heart-candy, and sure, I’d have a date. It was all well and good. And I didn’t like when people put the day down, dismissing it as being a “Hallmark Holiday.”

Some of my happiest memories on Valentine’s Day occurred while single. My sister and I would wake up in the morning and drag ourselves out to the kitchen before school for breakfast, and my mom had set out a little basket for each of us–of chocolates, candy, and other goodies. Another year, my dad got us each a rose. It was the sweetest thing ever.

The V-Days spent with a boyfriend were also a good time. But if Valentine’s Day and having a great family has taught me anything, it’s that there is more than one type of love.

Now, as I am single in 2014, the 2 groups from high school have become a bit more diverse and complex. Some are in relationships and don’t like Valentine’s Day. Others go all out heart crazy. For everyone that says “You shouldn’t need a special day to tell someone you love them”, I guess that’s true, but why not use it as an excuse to do so? Call your mom and dad up and thank them for raising you. Call up a sibling and tell them how beautiful they are. Hell, that guy/girl you’ve been thinking about? Let ’em know! If it helps, have a margarita first before you shoot off that text!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Valentine’s Day–single or taken. No matter what, I hope you know you are loved.