KAT GRUSS

On Feb. 14, you could usually see me shooting glares at couples as they walked hand-in-hand down the hallway, or trying to ignore my fellow females squealing about the stuffed animals they received. I hated Valentine's Day with a passion and I can still understand why people loathe the holiday.

But I can now see that feelings of hate on Valentine's Day need to stop.

There's a point where this deep-set anger reminds me of the immaturity we all experienced back in our pre-college years. As maturing young adults, we should be able to take a step back from our anger and say to ourselves that we may hate this holiday, but we won't let it define that entire day.

Instead, singles and couples alike should see Valentine's Day as a time to celebrate love of all kinds.

There are six types of love. Although one is a romantic love, another is based purely upon friendship.

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Romance and hate don't have to be the only options, the only two things that define Valentine's Day for people. We should add a new emotion to these two: enjoyment.

Enjoy being in the presence of a lover. Enjoy being in the presence of loved ones. Enjoy being in the presence of friends. Enjoy anything about those who love you and those you surround yourself with on a day-to-day basis.

I understand that hatred of Valentine's Day isn't going to be easy to change. To be honest, I didn't change my opinion about the holiday until this past Winter Break and some people won't be able to change just as quickly as I did.

People just need to slowly break their grip on their hatred until at least we can say we are indifferent to the day.

Someday, I hope people will be able to see Valentine's Day as something we all smile about, not scowl at.

I want to be able to see someone whisper to a person close by about a gift they're getting for their best friend. That's what I want Valentine's Day to be.

Gruss, a freshman journalism major from Harrisburg, is an intern lifestyles reporter.