Feb. 14th—a day that holds either an affectionate or bittersweet connotation for several around the world. For those with a significant other, Valentine’s Day embodies feelings of love, affection, and romance. However, for the rest of us who are yet to find their special someone, the holiday might evoke feelings of loneliness or longing.

With how commercialized Valentine’s Day has become in the United States, it has become especially difficult to escape the constant reminder of the holiday. Maybe it’s the rose bouquets at the front of your local grocery store, or the Target shelves filled with heart-shaped candy assortments. Regardless of the means, it is clear that we are constantly bombarded with depictions of romantic love. However, many people easily forget the other types of relationships that we can be grateful for during this holiday

While I’m sure the word “love” brings to mind big romantic gestures,  it can also be representative of the platonic love shared between close friends or family members. On Valentine’s Day, we can choose to express fondness to loved ones, siblings, parents, or friends. No matter who it is, appreciating meaningful connections is what the holiday is all about.

So, how does this inconventional celebration of the holiday look? If we’re not delivering a serenade on the school’s bleachers like Patrick from 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) or standing outside their bedroom window with a boombox like Lloyd does in Say Anything (1989), how else do we display our appreciation and sentiment for the special people in our lives? Luckily, I have a few ideas:

First, dedicating the day to spending time with a few loved ones is a great way to celebrate the holiday. Planning a fun outing with friends or family is a great way to create memories and also serves as an expression of gratitude for their role in your life. This could look like catching the latest movie, going out to a cozy restaurant, going bowling, trying out an escape room, doing karaoke, etc.

Additionally, participating in shared activities is another fun and meaningful way to honor the love you have for your friends or family. Getting creative and making DIY gifts together can be both entertaining and sentimental. Some activities you could try include decorating picture frames, making matching bracelets, or making personalized and thoughtful cards. You could also try playing board or card games, sharing personal stories, painting, baking, or simply enjoying each other’s company.

These activities are just a few of the many ways that we can make Valentine’s Day feel more inclusive and meaningful—even when we don’t have a significant other to share it with. As the holiday nears, it’s important we remember that love comes in many forms. So, whether you choose to do these activities with your friend group, siblings, or another loved one, celebrate and cherish these relationships. After all, romantic love may find you when you least expect it.