I used to be like you. Yes, you. I was always the one who used to go on dates and meet guys; yet, I didn’t quite know how to keep them. The word “relationship” was (and still is) foreign to me.

I also used to hate Valentine’s Day. No, not hate, I despised the holiday where everyone received jewelry, flowers and candy.

I hated that my friends wouldn’t spend time with me because they were too busy smooching and taking long walks on the beach with significant others.

But then I realized something very important. This was the only day of the year where people visibly showed their love.

For the rest of the 364 days, people are often too busy to express their love. Time always gets away from us through carpools, PTA meetings, school and work.

Wives and husbands regularly take what brought them together in the first place for granted. Love.

In times like this with the thought of war sitting on all of our shoulders, why not let the ones you love know that you care?

Some people often insult this holiday by saying that it has become all about money. And yes, the gifts are flattering, but think about this.

Some people feel passion and love so much, that it hurts sometimes. They can’t express enough how much they love someone, not even through those three simple words.

So sometimes, it’s easier to just show their love through their actions. But actions aren’t defined by gifts that you give with money.

Gifts can be defined as romantic getaways. Picnics with just you two. Or just sharing a beautiful sunset.

And for the “tough” guys that we love, sometimes it’s just easier for them to buy a girl something, rather then show a sensitive side.

So take it from me, an ex- protester of this beloved holiday. Look around you. You’ll see it in people’s eyes. Ask yourself if you’ve ever truly been in love with someone.

And if you remember that feeling that once warmed your heart, it won’t be hard to understand why people embrace this day the way that they embrace love. Whole heartedly. Happy Valentine’s Day.