I know what you’re thinking—I wouldn’t understand the feeling of being alone on Valentine’s Day. However, I have not only never had a significant other on Valentine’s Day but I have never had a significant other in general. So—I’ve been where you are. I’ve dreaded Valentine’s Day before because I too didn’t want to look at all the gushy posts on social media about all the happy couples in the world when I was single. But at one point in my life, I realized that Valentine’s Day isn’t just a day to celebrate all the couples in the world, it’s a day about love. And if love to you is only about being in a happy relationship, and you desperately desire to have one too, then yes, Valentine’s Day has potential to be a little depressing. But instead of sitting alone and feeling sad, you can celebrate the love you have for everyone in your life. You parents, your siblings, your extended family, your pets, your friends, and most importantly, yourself.

I am the girl who makes chocolate heart shaped cookies and hands them out to my family and friends. I am the one who makes a special, cutesy little valentine for my best friend and roommates to show them how much I appreciate them. I am the one who writes cards to my family, showing them how much I love them. I do this all because Valentine’s Day is about love, and love doesn’t discriminate or specify who it should be with. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be gloomy, it can be a day that is full of love and happiness. And even if it isn’t, just remember that it’s just another day of the year. It too will pass.

If you need to be distracted from all the mush and gush that will happen on Valentine’s Day, treat yourself by taking a bubble bath, getting a massage or going to get your nails done. Bake a sweet treat or indulge in one at the nearest bakery. Grab some of your single friends and go to dinner and a movie. Share the love and adopt a furry friend from the animal shelter—it’s a gift that gives back and will love you until the end of time.

What I’m trying to say is I nor anyone else is going to have a pity party for you because you’re single on Valentine’s Day (you’re not alone). It’s bound to happen for a long time in your life before you find that perfect someone, but I promise—it will happen!! This February 14^th you have the choice to be melancholy or to celebrate all the love in your life. Choose happiness. Choose love. Choose to make this day better than every other simply because you can!