Depending on one’s relationship status or mentality on love, Valentine’s Day will either make or break a person’s entire month.

“Ever since kindergarten I’ve been giving my mom something for V-Day,” Travis Butler, senior in hotel, restaurant and tourism management, said. “As I got older I truly understood the concept and I got better with my gifts.”

In the minds of many, Valentine’s Day is only for couples. Some argue that the holiday is solely for a man to show appreciation to his significant other. Those who beg to differ on both sides are convinced that this iconic day is for any two loved ones to express gratefulness for one another, be it family, lover or friend.

“As a woman I don’t feel V-Day is just for us,” Christian Donaldson, senior in political science, said. “I give both of my parents something every year. It wouldn’t be fair to just single one out.”

“Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about the ‘why,’ not the ‘who’ or ‘what,’” Ravyn Towns, sophomore in journalism and electronic media, said.

Whether you’re more concerned with what you get, whom you get it from, or why you’re loved, students celebrate Valentine’s Day to fit their own sentiments of the holiday.

Shay Dawkins, author of “The Good News: How Revealing Delusions in Christianity Will Bring Peace to All,” disagrees.

"To both the people with a special someone and those without — be thankful,” Dawkins said in her book. “Love and happiness come from within, not from another person. We all have something to celebrate, not only at Valentine’s Day but all year long.”

Dawkins believes there are only three essential tips needed to find love, at any given time. According to her book, “Before you can find true love in a relationship, you must find it within yourself.”

Her first tip is to “be thankful for everything (including your mistakes).” Being thankful for the good things in life helps you have a more positive look on the small things. Dawkins believes this is a very attractive characteristic. The ups and downs mold us, so looking at them both as learning experiences leaves no room for bitterness and regret, only peace and love.

Dawkins also advises to “forgive others so that you can forgive yourself.” Since we are our own worst critics, we’re harder on ourselves than others are on us. Once you learn how to forgive yourself as you do others you’ll be one step closer to finding love because otherwise it robs you of opportunities for happiness.

Finally, “find enjoyment and satisfaction in EVERY day.” Live each day of the week as you would the weekend. Striving to live each day with love leaves you with no regrets. Average days outnumber holidays and vacations, so don’t waste them.