Valentine's Day, whether this approaching holiday sends shivers down your spine or you're a regular cupid reincarnate, hold on to your lingerie panties because it's almost here. #TBT to the good ole days where this 24 hour love fest meant a rockin' party at the end of the school day, and if your parents really loved you, they bought you the high class valentines complete with Fun Dip or a temporary tattoo. These were simpler days, but now that we are "adults," everything seems to be more complicated. The realities of life can slice you quicker than a paper cut from a corny dollar store card. Well my lovely readers, fear not, for I have prepared a full list to ensure that you are prepared for what will actually occur on your Feb. 14, regardless of your status.

Expectation: College means no more mushy couple posts, the end of PDA and you can finally feel normal about being I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T on 2/14.

Reality: People are just as gushy as ever. If it's not a Facebook post or a retweet, it'll be hand holding or a public make out if they are really in love. My advice is to avoid romantic places, but couples these days are odd and can make any place seem romantic, so maybe just avoid the outside and social media world for a day or so.

Expectation: Your new BF will make the reservations at your favorite eatery, exchange gifts back at your place and maybe even show off what you spent with that Victoria Secret gift card you got for Christmas (Okay you feel bad that you didn't spend it on a fuzzy robe like your grandma assumed you would when she gave it to you, but come on grams, you were young once!).

Reality: It didn't cross his mind to make reservations on the busiest restaurant night of the year, so eventually you settle on some 2-star Mexican food despite your 5-star outfit. Wait, holy guacamole! You failed to remember that enchiladas do not make your insides feel "muy bien." Inevitably, you'll spend the rest of your evening in and out of the bathroom and cash out in your granny panties and a T-shirt on the couch.

Expectation: Your group of friends is going to stay in, watch movies, drink wine and avoid the topic of the holiday entirely. You are all single, proud and you have each other!

Reality: The evening will be spent with a community newsfeed scrolling and excessive bitching about how Derek and Katie have only been dating for two months or how your ex's new girlfriend used the wrong form of "your/you're" in her post. Ugh, what does he see in her? Idiot.

Expectation: Your BFF finally broke up with her subpar boyfriend, which means this year you finally get to celebrate singles awareness day together! Get ready for a night of "Single Ladies," dancing and reminiscing on the perks of being single.

Reality: Your BFF finally broke up with her subpar boyfriend and she is so excited! Well, that is until the day actually arrives. She'll realize after a glass (or four) of wine that in reality, she hates being single, misses her valentine and longs for the perks of being in a relationship during this time. You'll listen to her cry for a while, she'll go against your advice and text him and you'll spend the evening on damage control. My recommendation? Keep the liquor cabinet stocked and watch the craziness unfold. There is nothing more entertaining unpredictable than a wannabe taken, intoxicated girl in her 20s.

Expectation: Love is in the air, you and your fling have been texting every day for the last month or so and there is no better time than Valentine's Day to take things to the next level.

Reality: He will text you until 11:59 p.m. on the 13th and at 12:01 a.m. on the 15th, but girl you better believe that no boy is trying to commit on "National Nicholas Sparks Day." Don't be offended by his failure to meet your undeniable dreams of a Valentine's Day love story beginning, your time will come young grasshopper.

Expectation: Valentine's Day is the worst day of the year and will be terrible no matter my status, so I am going to be grumpy.

Reality: Valentine's Day is no different than any other, so your relationship (or lack of) should not be expected to be better or worse simply because Hallmark, a rom-com or anyone else says so. You have the power to determine how today, tomorrow and the future will be as long as your expectations are realistic. You have the power to decide if this Sunday is more of a V-Day or a D-Day, but at the end of it all, just know that I love you and that candy is 75% off at Walgreens on the 15th.