The switch is almost instantaneous. As soon as the Christmas decorations come off the shelves in the store, they are replaced with rows of sappy cards, plush teddy bears holding pillow hearts, boxes of chocolates and flower arrangements.

For some, these things make great gifts for a significant other to express love and affection. But, if you don’t have a valentine, these displays may only serve as a heartless reminder of your complete lack of a love life.

It can be tempting to spend Valentine’s Day sulking on the couch in sweat pants and watching The Notebook with a pint of ice cream. This Valentine’s Day, however, consider taking the opportunity to show some love for yourself.

“Just get all the other single people that don’t have dates on Valentine’s Day and go bowling or go do something,” said Cole Mills, microbiology freshman. “Go have fun and don’t waste the night on your sorrows of being single.”

Valentine’s Day is not the only day of the year when you should treat yourself, according to Meaghan Tufts, biology sophomore.

“To me, Valentine’s Day is just an excuse for couples to go out and spend money,” Tufts said. “I think that if you’re dating someone, you should treat them like that all the time, not just once a year. So if you’re single, you shouldn’t just treat yourself on Valentine’s Day either.”

Romantic love is not the only type of love celebrated on Valentine’s Day. It is also a day to show your friends and family that you care, according to Olivia Hirota, international studies sophomore.

“Embrace it and go have a ‘galentine’s day’,” Hirota said.

Hirota has a boyfriend, but still advocates for getting together with other single friends.

You don’t have to have a date in order to take advantage of the sales on candy.

“The day after Valentine’s Day is when I really like to celebrate, because everything is 50 percent off,” Hirota said.

Valentine’s Day is a day for love: for a significant other, friends, family or yourself, students said.

“In a cliché kind of way, if you don’t love yourself and take care of yourself, how can you expect another person to love you?” Mills said.

Swap those sweatpants for a cute outfit and treat yourself. No matter how you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day, take some time to love yourself.

“You don’t need anyone to make you feel special, you are special,” Hirota said.