For those who don’t have a significant other, Valentine’s Day can seem like a day of feeling left out, or like it does not apply to you.

However, with a shift in perspective on the meaning of the holiday and how it is celebrated, Valentine’s Day can be a reminder that those you care about matter and should be valued. Naturally, the marketing surrounding this holiday is tailored to people with partners who are told to buy new jewelry or shower them with confectionary treats, but you can spend this romantic holiday without breaking the bank.

Taking things back to the basics of being around the people that matter to you the most. You can spend time watching movies, playing card games, or taking a walk around town; it’s the simple things that advertisers try to make you forget.

Valentine’s Day should not be perceived as a day just for couples. Friends that you are grateful for can be honored on this day too. Making your friends feel special and important is a gift in itself. Making the effort to show those in your life that you care is the core of Valentine’s Day.