While we would all like to believe that Valentine’s Day is just another Hallmark holiday – such as Grandparents’ Day, Secretaries’ Day – Ed Board wants to set the record straight for why Valentine’s Day is worth celebrating. Catholics believe that three different martyrs named Valentine or Valentinus were killed in their quests to maintain love. It is also believed that Valentine sent the very first valentine to his love from prison, and signed it ‘your Valentine.’

The original story has evolved over the years, and remains one of mystery. Over time, this kid named Cupid was incorporated into the holiday. Who the heck is Cupid anyway?

The Cupid story dates back to Greek mythology. To the Greeks, he is Eros god of love in all of its manifestations. According to some myths, Eros was born from chaos personifying harmony, while others believe Cupid to be the son of Aphrodite and Ares. Cupid is represented as a winged youth armed with a bow and arrows that signify desires and emotions of love. Cupid aims his arrows at humans to cause them to fall in love.

Let’s face it. For all we know, Cupid is just some extraordinary legend that spawns from the imagination of some insanely infatuated man who needed to find a reason to send his unreciprocated love a random gift. Does Cupid’s existence, or lack thereof, need an explanation backed by facts for us to have a reason to celebrate love and affection? Is his existence, or lack thereof, a curse? Do we need an excuse to share our affection?

Ed Board does not intend to imply that we should not recognize those great elderly folks who pamper us with all the goodies our parents say will spoil our appetites or not recognize the receptionist who knows more about our day to day routine then we would like to believe.

Love needs no purpose, and neither does infatuation. Who ever complains of there being too much love in the world? To ensure that your Valentine’s Day is one you won’t waste, Ed Board has some suggestions. Here are few dos and don’ts for those who are or are not romantically involved this Friday in order to enjoy it under any circumstance.

DO give special gifts if there is a special someone in your life.

DON’T just give something generic. Put some effort into it, even if it’s just a card.

DON’T spend the day alone sulking about the lack of love in your life. Socialize. Find a party and shake that groove thang.

DO say “Happy Valentine’s Day” to people who say it to you.

DON’T think that Valentine’s Day is the only day you can show a loved one how much you care. Pick a random day, not excluding Valentine’s Day, to show some affection.

DON’T give a belated gift, and give lame excuses as to why your gift is late.

DO make the best of the weekend.

DON’T think of Valentine’s Day as a curse from some mythological creature who doomed you.

While Valentine’s Day may not be your cup of tea, it’s certainly worth your time to live life and celebrate for any reason at all. After all, this is college and do we really need a reason to have a party?