Wednesday, Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day, a holiday known for hues of pink and red, huge hearts, and cherry lollipops paired with cute little square cards. Remember the good old days of elementary school, when our teachers sent us home on a quest for old shoe boxes that we decorated with bright red construction paper and pink paper-mache hearts?  Our little hands gripped pencils and pens that traveled haphazardly across the pages of our handmade valentines, and then we deposited these lovely creations in our classmates’ shoeboxes.  Remember the joy we felt at the sweet messages that lightened our hearts more than the sugary candy that was attached to them? Just because we’re not little kids anymore doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Valentine’s Day.  Whether you’re single or not, you can still use this guide to make your day extra special!

1. Throw a party.
   There’s nothing more fun than a family friend get-together.  Decorate your house with pink, red, and white streamers, and cover your tables with heart-shaped placemats. Some recommended refreshments include pink M&M’s and pink lemonade, along with strawberry shortcake and ice cream sundaes with a cherry on top.  Before your guests leave, make sure to hand them goodie bags filled with an assortment of candy and valentines!
2. Watch a romantic comedy.
   Valentine’s Day is all about love and relationships, so wind down at the end of the day by curling up on the couch with a tub of popcorn and a movie that will make you laugh about love.  I would recommend The Proposal or When Harry Met Sally! No matter whether you’re single or taken, have a good laugh about others going through the difficult emotion of love.
3. Compliment your significant other.
   Love is in the simple things.  Don’t feel like you have to surprise your boyfriend or girlfriend with a fancy dinner or expensive bouquet of roses.  Just compliment them and let them know how much you appreciate them being a part of your life.  Sometimes, the best gift to give is a few, well spoken words.
4. Hand out valentines.
   There’s nothing more heartwarming than receiving a valentine from someone on Valentine’s Day.  Don’t worry about making them look super professional; everyone knows that handmade valentines are more special!  
5. Create a Valentine’s Day playlist and share it on social media.
   Carve some time out of your day to create a Spotify playlist filled with your favorite love songs.  Hum along to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” as you do homework or just chill in your room and imagine your social media friends or followers doing the same.  Music can brighten anyone’s day.

     Don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is all about love, so giving some big hugs to the special people in your life and letting them know how blessed you feel to know them is an absolute must.  Make this Valentine’s Day your best one yet!