With Valentine’s day coming up in the next two weeks, some people look forward to the day and some dread it. How can you not know with the stores selling heart-shaped candy and the multiple shades of red being seen everywhere? In truth, it is a Hallmark holiday that is used to make money. It is aimed at couples, so the day is a single person’s nightmare. Couples are everywhere, along with hearts and roses. I used to hate the day with a burning passion thinking that it is all about couples. I have always been single, so the holiday was hard to stomach. I learned over time that it is not just about celebrating the love between couples, but also celebrating the love between friends and family.

I have had years of practice on how to handle Valentine’s Day, and I've realized that it's not as bad as it seems. In fact, it is not bad at all. I have learned from trial and error how to handle it, and I hope these tips help.

1. Do not sit and sulk

The day may celebrate love and partnership, but every day should celebrate love. If you are single, do not sulk and think that you have to have a date. Celebrate the love of friendship and family instead. Sulking because you think you’re lonely will not help.

2. Go out with friends or family

Instead of sitting at home drinking wine, go out with friends or family. Nothing makes loneliness better than having company. Go out with your friends and celebrate the time you guys spent together. Have a Galentines Day; a day where you celebrate gal pals and having fun. It takes the pressure off being single.

3. Treat it like any other day

Just treat it like it is any other day. Every day you should celebrate love, not just one day of the year. Love is what makes the world go round, so we don’t celebrate it one day. We celebrate it every day.

4. Wine, wine, and more wine

Never doubt the power of a nice glass of wine. If nothing else helps, just have a nice glass of wine. Curl up on the couch with some wine, chocolate covered strawberries and a nice movie. It is the perfect relaxing night away from all the loved up couples.

5. Treat Yourself

Buy yourself flowers. Take yourself out to a nice dinner. Buy yourself a new outfit. Give yourself some self-love and realize that you do not need a boy or girl to be happy. Just be happy that you have good friends, family and a good life.

Being single, in general, is not a bad thing. It is not something that you need to feel ashamed about. You cannot be in a relationship until you are independent, and know what you want. Do not go out looking for a boy or girl; it will come when you’re ready. Enjoy being single, not just on Valentine’s Day but on every other day.