For every chocolate, diamond and flower commercial that airs around Valentine's Day, there are probably around 100 people who want to throw their remote controls at their televisions. While society pushes the Hallmark holiday on everyone, it seems that fewer people are celebrating in the traditional doily heart valentine, red glitter, Marvin Gaye kinda way.

As much as I enjoy red glitter and the concept of a day dedicated to love, I have always been cynical about this holiday. I have had a valentine for the majority of my teen and adult years and still, this holiday never seemed to settle right with me.

But this year, I've come to the conclusion that this will not cease to be a holiday that fuels commerce and the Hallmark card industry - so why not embrace it? You don't have to buy into the shimmery heart stickers and teddy bears holding roses to enjoy the day. It's an excuse to eat sweets and spend time with people you care about.

Here are a few Valentine's Day activities inspired by friends and family that could turn your holiday around and make your heart beat faster:

1) Exchange gifts with your parents. It may seem sappy, but it will mean a lot to them, and what mother (or father) doesn't want chocolate?

2) Dress up and go out to a fancy dinner with your friends. Valentine's Day can be drama filled if your significant other doesn't live up to expectations, so why not spend time with people who won't have any?

3) Take some pressure off of the guy and plan something that you want to do. Treat him for a change and you'll feel good about it.

4) Watch the sappiest romantic comedy you can find. It may keep your eyes rolling, but it will also keep you smiling throughout the night.

5) Treat yourself: buy yourself some flowers or even a dress that you've been wanting. No one would judge you on any other day so doing that on the holiday shouldn't be any different. Some post-Christmas sales are still floating around out there.

The pressure-filled holiday could be as fun as you make it. So turn your anti-Valentine's Day pledge around and bake some cupcakes with pink frosting. If you aren't crafty in the kitchen, walk around a bakery this week and check out some sweets. Maybe you'll run into someone special and Cupid's arrow will stick you when you least expect it.