It seems as though every month has at least one highly-commercialized holiday, and February's primary consumer date just so happens to be Valentine's Day. It's nearly impossible to miss the ridiculous increase of red and pink in Rite Aid, CVS, Target and, well, basically everywhere else. The chocolate selection is on par, and the theme of bright roses seems to be omnipresent. This is a trend that lasts for at least a few weeks, and maybe it's my imagination but it seems like the amount of time Valentine's Day items are sold gradually lengthens year by year...(it's the same with Christmas decorations and Halloween candy).

Also around this time, I psychoanalyze my friends because there's often a dramatic shift in mood. The people who are in steady and committed relationships feel an exciting sense of pressure to find an exciting gift or plan a memorable date for their loved one. There are some who are in the midst of a budding new love, who feel a pit in their stomach combined with a craving for their crush to become "official." Then there are those who sulk and exclaim that they absolutely despise Valentine's Day.

Maybe they hate it so much because of bad memories. Maybe they had amazing Valentine's Days in the past, and their lives shifted so much that Feb. 14 now causes them emotional pain. Maybe they hate it because they find it overrated and disgustingly commercialized. Maybe they hate holidays in general. Maybe it's because they're single so they feel the holiday doesn't apply to them. I suppose it's up to each person to decide why they simply can't stand it.

Last year was my first Valentine's Day with my dream man, and so I've been on both sides of the spectrum. I've been on the side of feeling lonely and disheartened and annoyed, and I've also been on the side of celebrating Valentine's Day in a way that celebrates a special form of companionship and love.

But I'm a firm believer that Valentine's Day applies to everyone. It certainly isn't a holiday meant to be exclusive to those in romantic relationships. Valentine's Day is meant to be, as my boyfriend said last year, "a celebration of love."

Valentine's Day doesn't need to be polarized, separating those with significant others and those who are single, categorizing these people into groups based on how much they love or hate the holiday. Nah. It's not necessary.

One of the best things about being a human is we have the ability to connect with each other, form relationships, and ultimately love one another in a variety of ways. Yes, Valentine's Day is typically centered around romantic love, which isn't a problem. It doesn't mean everyone else is automatically excluded. Love takes on many different forms.

For example, one can celebrate Valentine's Day with family (I remember the new Webkinz and chocolate that made my life feel complete). Not only did I have the privilege of spending this past Valentine's Day with my love, but we also were able to celebrate with an entire group of our friends at a country-style breakfast. And two years ago, I spent my Valentine's Day taking pictures of my horse.

It's up to every individual person to define how they want to celebrate love on their Valentine's Day. For me personally, Valentine's Day is a celebration of the love I share and cherish with my boyfriend. It's also a reminder to be especially grateful for those I love in other ways too, such as the friends who make me laugh and listen to my constant rants.

Naturally, as human beings with human hearts, we are constantly craving love! Whether it's platonic, romantic, love of an activity or even affection for pets, we love to love and we love to be loved. If you had a terrible Valentine's Day this year, remember that there are a lot of things to celebrate, because you have love somewhere in your life. Celebrate it.

P.S. You don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to celebrate how awesome love is. You can be grateful and mindful of love's presence in your life on a daily basis.