Valentine's Day is a touted as a celebration of romance. It is also known as "Singles Awareness Day" due to the emphasis on romantic relationships and a seeming exclusion of anyone not in a romantic relationship.
No matter what our romantic status is, we should strive to avoid a "couples vs. singles" mentality. Romantic relationships receive undue emphasis in our society. Whatever the legends or myths about the holiday say, the emphasis on romantic attachment only came about in the 14th century, after centuries of being a day on which martyred saints by the name of Valentine were honored.
People enjoy many relationships that aren't romantic, such as relationships with friends, family and even acquaintances. If we celebrate anything, we should recognize and celebrate all the relationships we have that have made us who we are today. Our lives and relationships are so much more than whether or not we're romantically attached, and we should find ways to recognize that whenever we can.
I would challenge everyone to find a way to enjoy today. Let the people you care about know that they mean something to you, even if it's just a greeting in passing on the way to class. Make Valentine's Day a day everyone can enjoy, no matter what his or her love life is like.
Emily O'Loughlin
senior philosophy major
is a member of the 
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