Valentine's Day has evolved into a holiday for couples to act mushy in public and buy each other gifts, which is all fine and good by me. What isn't fine by me is that on this holiday, single people everywhere feel like they need to hide in their beds and binge-eat chocolate to avoid the pain of not having a significant other. If that's how you deal with your problems, and it works for you, then OK. Take advantage of all of the February 15 discount chocolate deals. If that only makes you feel worse, which it probably will, then it's time to take on a new mindset. It's a day to celebrate love that isn't restricted to couples who like to suck face in public. So celebrate what you love; your cat, your best friend, even your pet goldfish. You don't need a lover to feel loved.

Romance in the 21st century is so dynamic and strange that having a real, solid significant other to spend the day (and night) with on Valentine's day is getting rare. You will probably feel like the only single person in the world on this day, but don't let that get to you because it's 100 percent false. The loneliness on Valentine's day comes from this stupid notion that if we're not in a relationship, then we can't be happy. Whoever came up with this idea is cynical and probably a Hallmark employee who just wants to sell more cards. The truth is that being single doesn't mean that you're unlovable. Maybe you're too busy for someone else, maybe you like having your own space, or you just don't feel like you need anyone but yourself. Maybe you just haven't met the right person yet. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for being single.

The best thing to do to beat the single blues is to be your own Valentine. It might sound cheesy, but it really works. Make this a day to feel great about yourself and realize how kick-butt you are, rather than counting up all of your made-up reasons of why you're single. If you don't do it enough during the year, take Valentine's day to pamper yourself. After getting through whatever life has been throwing at you, you deserve it. Focus on feeling the love for yourself this V-day!