For as long as I can remember Valentine's Day has been my favorite holiday. This fact has bewildered people for about the same amount of time.

More so perplexing to people is the fact that I've actually been single for each and every Valentine's. You can do the math, that's quite a few consecutive holidays.

But for myself, I've never given in to the stigma that revolves around the cliche holiday. To me, it doesn't matter if you have a significant other to shower gifts with this Valentine's. It's more about showing you love someone and exemplifying that sentiment. Take a trip down memory lane for a moment with me, specifically elementary school when everyone received valentines. Did it matter that you received a cutesy, little valentine or that it was from a friend? No. You cared about someone and you expressed it.

Flash forward now to today, when the rise of "Single Awareness Day" is in full effect. Just because you're single on this holiday does not mean you automatically are exempt from celebrating! Maybe take this time to express to your friends how much they mean to you—yes, I might be envisioning a full Galentine's brunch from the show "Parks and Recreation."

In my own personal experience, my parents consistently made Valentine's Day something worth remembering each year. The gift would change year to year, but come the morning of February 14, my place at the kitchen table would have a sweet token of their love for me. Although I don't get to see my parents too often on Valentine's these days, the love they shared for me extends into how I treat and surprise my friends. Nothing too extravagant, but I get the chance to make a random day in February a little more special.

So maybe this Valentine's Day take a different approach to this controversial holiday and take the effort to make someone's day. Even if you don't think there's anyone in your life to celebrate, I promise you there is. Even if it's just that sweet barista at Starbucks that knows your complicated order, it's worth it.