When I was in 6th grade I received a little Valentine’s Day card with a heart sticker wrapped around it from my elementary school crush.  I always thought that’s what Valentine’s Day was about, the  presents you spend money on to give to your significant other.  As I’ve grown older I’ve realized there is much more to Valentine’s Day and love specifically.  I, myself, have been loved and left with a broken heart.  This has allowed me to view love in an entirely different light.

Valentine’s Day is a day meant to be shared with your significant other or whomever you may love.  Traditionally you spend the entire day showing that specific person how much you love them.  It takes a lot of effort to put all of your time and energy into another person when that energy could be spent on yourself.  Although I entirely support sharing your love with others, sometimes it is okay to spend that love on yourself.  

What I’ve come to realize over time is that loving yourself is the most important ingredient for happiness.  I don’t believe you can truly love another human being until you’ve given all the love you can give to yourself.  Understanding who you are as a person and what you need to be happy comes from being on your own.  Worry about yourself and only yourself and you will come to realize that you don’t need anyone else to make you happy.

Although Valentine’s Day can be a tough day for those who are without a significant other, it’s also a day where you can show love to yourself.  Do whatever you do to destress and whatever makes you happy.  Take that effort that lovers are spending on each other and put it to good use.