Everyone is familiar with Valentine’s Day– a holiday full of sickly-sweet romance and even sweeter chocolate. Many cringe at the thought of such a day and argue if it should even be a holiday at all. (Valentine’s Day does not have to be all about love, though. I go into more detail in my past article “A Platonic Valentine’s Day”). What people are less familiar with is the holiday that takes place the day after. February 15 is Singles’ Awareness Day (also known as Singles Day or Single Appreciation Day), dedicated to all of those who did not have a significant other to spend Valentine’s Day with.

Singles’ Awareness Day acts as a reminder that it is okay to be single and to embrace not being in a relationship just yet. The holiday is solely about focusing on oneself and what they love. Self-care, enjoying hobbies, and hanging out with friends and family are just a few of the perfect activities to do for Singles’ Awareness Day.  Bob Jones students, ranging from freshman to seniors, had a variety of answers when they were asked about what they would be doing on February 15. Kelsey Rhen, a sophomore, says that she will be “appreciating [her]self.”

Believe it or not, there are psychological differences between those who are single versus those who are in a relationship. Single people, according to the results of experiments worldwide, are more likely to be involved in their communities and have bigger social networks. Usually, those who are in a relationship focus a large chunk of their attention on the one (or more—polyamory exists) person they’re dating, while single people divide their attention among their friends and family. This isn’t to tear down those who are happily committed to relationships. These results are to show that just because a person does not have someone to call his or her “significant other” doesn’t mean that they are lonely or lacking.

Many people, especially students, don’t even want a relationship, at least not at this point in time. Multiple people responded with variations of “remaining single” when asked what they would be doing for Singles’ Awareness Day and were okay with that. Lily Hughes, a junior, said, “I’m seventeen, I’m not ready to settle down with anyone on any level.” Sophomore MacKenzie Edwards said, “There’s not a lot of pressure and you get to do a lot more things on your own than you would if you had a partner. Not saying relationships are bad, but it’s nice to have the freedom to do things as a single rather than a duo.”

Ironically, the acronym for Singles’ Awareness Day is S.A.D., but the holiday itself definitely doesn’t have to be. Students should use the day to embrace their status and love themselves for who they are. That way they will truly know their worth when the right person comes along.