It's the 14th of February tomorrow and we all know what day this date signifies.

The 14th day of  February. 

What else? Oh, right. Valentine's Day. That, too. That, too.

You're either the type of person who sends chocolates to your valentine or an attractive bouquet, with a card attached to it. Or, you might be one of those creative who think outside the box and succeed in impressing their targets, with extravagant gifts. Whatever the case, you have to know that you're the king of all the idiots on this planet if your target is only your boyfriend/girlfriend.

Why so? Here's why:

According to one legend—this holding more credibility than the rest—there was a priest by the name of Valentine in the third century Rome. When Emperor Claudius II established that unmarried men invariably made stronger and more able soldiers than those who were betrothed to women or already had families of their own, he criminalized marriage for young men. When Valentine came to know of this, he was driven by the Emperor's injustice and began binding young lovers into the bond of marriage, secretly. However, Valentine's secret didn't remain so for long, and he was apprehended, which was followed by his decapitation.  The people whom he had helped into marrying, were outraged. Each year, they mourned over Valentine's unjust death, securing for him immortality through their annual bereavement.

This saint stood up for a much more meaningful cause than just valueless romance between a man and a woman. He stood up for love. He stood up for family. For the love of a mother, for the love of a father. The love between siblings. The love between friends. The love one living soul can harbor for another.

But today, Valentine's Day is seen as nothing but an opportunity to bag a lover. To go on dates for mere amusement or just for fun. It is seen as an opportunity to disobey one's parents, to disobey everything. Just for a romantic evening with a stranger, whom you might have nothing to do with later.

Is this what this day is all about?

I say: NO!

For me, this day is not about romantic trysts and wooing one's lover. It's simply about love. And the idea of love. The love we have for our parents, the love we have for our siblings, our love for our cousins, friends, teachers. This day should be celebrated accordingly.

Our president, however, has declared that this day shouldn't be observed at all; for it has no connection with the teachings of Islam—the romantic part, that is. To add to the list of no-no's, a ban has been implemented on gathering at Clifton. This is to ensure that the people, if visiting the beach for recreational purposes, don't endanger their lives by carrying out the tradition of swimming on all special occasions, this one included.

The governing bodies in almost all of the provinces are 'seeking' a ban on all related activities of this day.

The choice, however, is ours. If you choose to defy our good old man, President Mamnoon, then make sure it's for the right reasons.

Want to express your love for your mom? Your dad? How about a sudden ambush-hug? Or, a greeting card atop their pillows. Their favorite dish might bring that smile on their face that you want to see. Want your sister to know how much you love her? Surprise her. Have a brother that you adore? Surprise him. Don't forget your friends and your teachers, too.

Happiness is all we have. Sometimes, it comes to us directly; sometimes, we have to generate it ourselves. The best part about it is that it stays with us forever in the form of beautiful memories. Make sure that this year on Valentine's Day, you make yourself and everyone around you as happy you can.

Make sure you explore what this day is actually about, that you abide by the do's and the don'ts of Valentines Day and that you spread love and happiness like a viral outbreak.

Happy Valentine's, everyone, in advance!