It’s likely that you’ve never paused for a moment, mid-kiss or right before eating the last piece of heart-shaped chocolate, to wonder why in the world we do all of these things on this holiday.

Who is this Valentine character and why does he force us to get all gushy and spend wads of cash on jewelry that our significant others might not even like?

Well Feb. 14 was only first associated with love and affection in the Middle Ages when Pope Gelasius I established it as an official “day” in 496 AD.

But Valentine’s Day (originally known as Saint Valentine’s Day) started as a holiday that honors a series of Christian martyrs of the above mentioned name. Specifically (according to History.com) Valentine of Rome, Valentine of Terni. Unfortunately association with these two clergymen was essentially lost and forgotten by the time Feb. 14 became a day for heart bubbles and hugs.

There are all kinds of legends as to how this holiday grew into what it is today, but the one we think makes the most sense (we just want it to be true!) is when the first valentine card was sent – and why.

It is said that the priest Valentine disobeyed a law from Roman Emperor Claudius II, one that ordered all young men remain unmarried. So Valentine secretly performed the hitching ceremonies regardless, and when he was found out he was thrown in jail to be executed.

And so, the night before his death, Valentine allegedly wrote a note addressed to a young girl who may very well have been his main squeeze, and he signed it “From your Valentine.”

Aaaaaawwwwwwwww.

What are you doing wasting time questioning Valentine’s Day and why it even matters? Go find someone you love (or at least like a little) and tell them so. You’ll feel so good afterward – and you might even get laid! (BONUS.)

Read the original article here.