Most people probably thought I would write about how this day is nothing more than a holiday exploited by Hallmark to profit from relationships. Though I may think it's true, my problem with Valentine's Day is that it is too focused on romantic relationships. I think it should be so much more than that. You don't need to be in a relationship to appreciate this holiday — just being with people you love, like your family and friends, is all you need.

Since we were young, we were taught to associate this holiday with being in a romantic relationship. In elementary school, our parents bought us Valentine's Day cards to give to people in our classes. There would be cards that say, "Bee my Valentine" with a cute bee on the front or one of your favourite characters, like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh saying, "I only have eyes for you." Do you remember the excitement when you got a card from someone in your class saying they liked you? I used to pick through all the cards trying to find the best one to give the boy I liked.

Not only did we give out cards to each other, but there was that phrase everyone wanted to hear, "Will you be my Valentine?" Even when we were seven or eight years old, we felt the need to have a Valentine. If we were one of those few kids that didn't get asked, it would make us feel sad. So when most of us grew up, it was only natural for us to associate Valentine's Day with being in a relationship. If we aren't in a relationship, we feel sad like we did back in elementary school, thinking that no one cares. That isn't true.

We have family and friends who care about us. Why should we let Hallmark make us feel like we need to be in a relationship to celebrate this holiday? To be honest I'd rather spend it with my friends, the people who love me for me. I turned down a date this year for Valentine's because I'd rather be with my roommates, have a bottle of wine, some takeout food and watch a romantic comedy. They are the ones that always listen to me and help me when I have a problem; they are the people that care about me. Isn't that what this holiday should be about, being with people that love you? Why would I want to spend it with some guy I barely know, just to say I wasn't alone on Valentine's Day? Because I am not alone and neither are all of the single people out there.

If you're in a romantic relationship, this holiday is great because sometimes we have busy lives and it's a good excuse to spend time with the person you care about. Let's be serious: it's a holiday for receiving presents with the possibility of something shiny, flowers, chocolate, candy, dinner (all the things that most women love) and time with the person you care about.

So, if you are one of those people who think this holiday is stupid and just meant for those happy couples that you secretly hate, you're looking at it the wrong way. You should look at it as a holiday that allows you to appreciate the people you love and care about, because sometimes we are so busy that we forget. If you still don't agree with what this holiday stands for, just think of all the chocolate and candy that goes on sale the day after Valentine's Day. If that's still not a good enough reason for you to appreciate this holiday, then I don't know what else there is.