I dislike Valentine’s Day, but that could just be because I spend it alone every year. I like the concept behind it, but It starts to get old the more I see the infinite string of stories of couples posting photos of each other all over their Instagram feed. Part of me is happy for them, but the other part is jealous, mainly because I’ve never had that. 

You read that correctly: I, Arpita Das, have never, ever, been in a relationship in my life, but surprisingly I’m not ashamed of that. Although it sucks not being able to have a significant other to share my love with on Valentine’s Day, that doesn’t mean I can’t still celebrate the holiday. I’m not dating anyone because I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t start dating until college. Besides, being in a relationship isn’t always everything that people make it out to be, so why not share the love with your friends and family instead? 

Usually on Valentine’s Day everyone has one valentine, but since there’s no rule as to how many valentines you can actually have, here are 14 amazing people in my life who never fail to make me feel appreciated everyday. 

1. Abby Busch – Thanks for always sitting by me in 6th hour. I always love to hear how soccer is going for you and the constant updates about Addy’s love life. You’re such an amazing and talented writer and I’m so excited to spend the end of every school day with you for the next two years. 

2. Katelynn Heilman – What is there to say about you Katelynn? I feel like my puzzle pieces are finally fitting together; we met through our dislike for Algebra 2 and only grew closer through The Central Trend. Grateful only describes one way that I am to have friends like you; you always have an ear that’s ready to listen and are one the most amazing people I’ve ever met.

3. Mekha Daniel Paulouse – Thanks for always willing to engage in conversation with me during school. You make APES and WHAP bearable, and I can’t imagine spending those subjects with anyone else. You’re such a kind person and make every day that much more enjoyable. 

4. Heather Jaze – You make Psychology and English entertaining. My favorite memory in psychology was when we made that ad for edible hairspray. We didn’t know what we were doing but the ad was so funny and Mr. Pierce loved it so much. Thanks for adding a little bit of amusement to my life.

5. Akansha – You’re always conquering the day being the feminist you are. I sometimes wish I had your mentality because personally, I could never go into med school, let alone take an eight hour long entrance exam. But it’s like you always said, standardized tests like these are just an assessment of how well you can take a test. Yes, the score is important, but it’s not everything, and they most definitely do not make or break your application; they’re just one piece of the puzzle. 

6. Kate – Your like a breath of fresh air and I don’t know how you do it. I really wish I was as calm and contained as you but whenever I’m not in the right headspace you always seem to counteract it. Thank you for always being so kind and patient with me. You’re a constant reminder that everything will work out in the end. 

7. Mom – You always keep me on track, but I think you tend to overwork yourself. I always enjoy our rides to and from school, and I appreciate your devotion to having a routine in life. I sometimes wish I was just as organized as you and I’m so glad that you’re always there to make sure I’m accomplishing my goals. 

8. Dad – You are chill about almost anything in life and you take everything as a challenge. You don’t fabricate or sugarcoat anything because you see it as it is and attempt life in the best way possible. Thank you for being you. 

9. Grandma – I haven’t seen you in an entire year being in the atmosphere that is India has been a nice change of scenery for you. Although I miss our ludo games and sleepovers, I know that you are just one phone call away. 

10. Alysse Calabio – Thank you so much for always editing my stories, your nails always look flawless and I wish I had your style. It makes my day when Daniel asks about you, but it’s just another fun part of my day that I get to experience. I love the little friend circle that we’ve created in sixth hour. 

11. Lauren Brace – You’re one of the most compassionate yet hardworking individuals I have ever ran into. Thanks for always willing to help me. I am still amazed by the fact that you were not only able to win one but two Best of SNO awards despite all the chaos that comes with senior year and all the AP classes you’re taking. 

12. Eva LaBeau – I’m so happy for you, I always have been. I will always be your personal hype woman because seeing you happy makes me happy. I’m so glad you found Christos and I always love hearing when you’re going to meet him. 

13. Jiya Patel – You’re one of the smartest people I know, but I wish you weren’t so hard on yourself. Despite how much I struggle with Precalculus, I commend you for always being able to tutor me; you make math understandable. From meeting in middle school to having our friendship flourish in high school, it’s been amazing to see all of the clubs as well as classes you have been able to partake in. I’m so proud of you. 

14. Eva Harshman – You’re a hilarious person, and I can’t name one moment with us where we weren’t laughing because there’s always something comical going on in your life. Your squeals make my day and I love how opinionated you are. Never stop being you, please. There needs to be more people like you in this world. 

There’s more than 14 impactful people in my life, but for the people reading this and who know me, thank you for supporting me and for reading my stories, your presence does not go unappreciated.