The big day is almost here. The day for roses, chocolates, stuffed animals, and candlelit dinners. The day for obnoxious declarations of love and wide smiles as gifts are exchanged. A day that brings unadulterated joy and teary-eyed nights alone.

Yep, you guessed it!

Valentine's Day.

It's the holiday you either gush over or completely despise, and it's soon to be upon us. If you don't already have someone to share this special day with then perhaps you're feeling some pressure to find a date or at least find someone to keep you company. You might be rolling your eyes in annoyance because who cares? It's just one day! Maybe you're feeling emotional and lonely, maybe even a little hurt.

I'm here to tell you not to fret about being without a Valentine this Thursday. Why?

Because maybe it's time for you to be your own Valentine.

Be honest- how often do you treat yourself to a nice night out? When do you take the time out of your day to pamper yourself, to get all dolled up and feeling good just for you? Have you ever bought yourself some flowers just because you know you'd like them? While it's wonderful to feel spoiled, doted on, and appreciated by another, would it not be just as amazing of a feeling to show yourself the love you know you deserve?

One day out of the year does not determine how lovable you are.

Being by yourself on February fourteenth does not make you any less of a catch.

I count myself lucky that I have had someone to call my Valentine for the last three years. Even so, I think it's necessary to treat myself with the same kindness, love, and adoration that I expect from my Valentine. It's imperative that I treat myself according to the same high standards that I want my love to treat me with.

If you're alone this Valentine's Day, don't wallow in self-pity. Consider this an opportunity for you to spoil yourself rotten, to give yourself a well-deserved day of peace and relaxation. This can be a day for you; a day for you to learn about yourself, a day to learn what you like, a day for you to try new things.

Whether you love Valentine's Day or not, whether you have someone to call your own or not, take a little time to make yourself feel special. Not only will it make you feel better that day, but it's also the start of an amazing habit. You're raising the bar for how you should be treated, you're giving yourself a confidence boost, and you're going to make yourself just overall so much happier.

You deserve to be loved. Why not show yourself that love?