I know, for a fact, that relationships are heavily enforced in society. As a person who doesn’t want this, and feels a little pressured into having to enjoy a relationship as February 14 gets even closer, that there are other ways for people to show that they care besides “I love you,” and buying you chocolate and flowers. There are ways that your friends, parents, and anyone really, to say that you are loved. Here are a few:

• “Buckle up.”
• “Hey, if you want, I’ll draw you something.”
• “I know you’re feeling sick. Get better soon! I’ll give you the work you missed.”
• “Here. We can share my fries.”
• “You’ll be fine. You’re going to get an A on this test, I promise you.”
• “Hi, I’m just calling to remind you that you have to eat dinner. I don’t want you going to bed hungry.”
• “Happy birthday!” “It’s midnight.” “I know!”
• “Listen to this song. It reminds me of you.”
• “Yeah, I’ve had this picture of us since it was taken. Elementary school, wow.”
• “Get enough sleep. Don’t stay up too late, okay?”
• “You’re awesome, you know, right?”
• “I know you’re feeling bad lately, so I’m here with Netflix and your favorite food. No need to thank me.”
• “Thanks.”
• When someone takes the time to teach you something.
• Goodnight and good morning texts. It doesn’t even have to be a significant other, just a friend or your parent or something. If you don’t usually get them, send them to people. It’s a good feeling.
• Laughing with someone until your stomach hurts.
• Trading stories of your day with someone.  And you know he or she wants to hear yours.
• When you’re sad and someone talks it out with you.
• Giving you a piece of their favorite candy.
• When you’re reading something a friend wrote and there’s a character that’s suspiciously similar to how you look, how you act, or has your name. Same goes for when there’s a scene suspiciously similar to something you and that same friend did together.
• Inside jokes.
• When your friend saves the selfies you took of the two of you.
• When you score the winning point and no one shuts up about it for the next ten minutes.
• Someone celebrating your success on something with you.

As you can see, there are a lot more ways to show that you are cared for and loved than having a relationship. And, this Valentine’s Day, don’t let the thought of never being in a relationship or the constant theme of romance discourage you. There are many other ways for you to feel loved than a dramatic kiss and a bouquet of roses.