Those that are unhappily single will often be inclined to fiercely dread the influx of hearts, flowers, and candy promotions that flood store shelves as the calendar nears February 14th each year. Some singles have felt so excluded from the February festivities in recent years that they have dubbed the annual event “Singles Awareness Day” or SAD. Thanks to countless retailers hoping to capitalize on the romantic inclinations of star-crossed lovers, the modern day perception of Valentine’s Day tends to place strong emphasis on romantic love, which can leave many singles feeling understandably excluded. No matter how it may be portrayed or otherwise perceived by the masses, Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can and should be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their relationship status.

I say that it’s time to take a stand against the commercialized version of romance that flower shops and candy manufacturers have been selling to the public for so long. Rather than buy into the hype and perpetuate the idea that Valentine’s Day has to come with a hefty price tag or that it is reserved only for those who have a special someone to share it with, why not try to spread the love and spare the wallet? Reinvent your definition of Valentine’s Day this year so that it has less to do with stuff and more to do with love in all its forms.

Attending a singles party is a great way to spend Valentine’s Day if you are unattached. If there aren’t any such events in your area, perhaps you could invite some singles over to your place and host one of your own so that you can celebrate love, independence, and the joys of making new friends. For those that aren’t the partying type, spend the day surrounded with people you love and do things that you genuinely enjoy doing.

For those of you that are dating someone special and would like to celebrate the chemistry without having to deal with the crowded and overpriced Valentine’s Day scene, consider opting for a romantic evening at home with your sweetie instead. There is something authentically romantic about home cooked meals prepared with lots of love and served with a smile. After dinner, you might take a walk together; spend some time stargazing, or maybe even spice things up a bit with a sensual massage.

When it comes to gift ideas for Valentine’s Day, whether it is for a friend, a family member or a romantic partner, nothing expresses your feelings for those close to you better than a homemade gift that comes straight from the heart. Write a poem or a song, sketch a drawing, make a photo collage, or design your own homemade paper hearts to use as Valentine cards for your loved ones. Whatever you do, be sure to harness all of your talents so that you can express your love for others in the most unique and creative manner possible.