Ah, Valentine's Day.

This year I told myself I wasn't going to write an article about this subject because there are probably about 782 of them out there, but here we are, my fingers typing away at some keys once again.

Every year, the days and weeks leading up to Valentine's day, things get a little sappy.

Chocolate starts to fly off the shelves. Coffee shops suddenly have "Valentine's specials". And let's not forget the obvious, everybody and their sister starts freaking out about the fact that for yet another Valentine's day, they are still single.

Look friend, I have been there. I know that it is easy to fall into the sulking pity party that takes place everywhere on this holiday.

But for just a second, we are going to chat about the culture we live in.

When was the last time you heard a story about someone ACTUALLY asking somebody out on a date?

I am willing to bet that the answer to that question is either not at all or not in a while.

That is slightly sad. But unfortunately, our culture has gotten to the point where we just don't value relationships like they used to be valued.

Instead of going on a date and actually getting to know someone, we have settled for waiting on a text back and get butterfly's when someone sends the words "let's hangout".

Now, this isn't for everyone. But think for just a second what would happen if we actually valued love the way that we seem to every year on Valentine's day, but every single day. What if we told those we loved that we loved them, treated our friends and significant others with respect, and had the courage to say yes to going on an actual date?

We live in a "hookup culture" where it seems like the norm to move from one guy to the next within a matter of seconds, but we can break the chain.

I am not talking about the commercial side of things or the part where you wallow in your singleness with your trusty friends, Ben and Jerry, but the part where you find joy in knowing that as cheesy as it sounds, "love is in the air".

For anyone who is single this Valentine's, don't stress about the fact that you aren't with someone. This day is meant for us to celebrate love. This means that it is time to celebrate the love you have for your friends, your family, and anyone else out there!

Someday when the timing is right and someone VALUES you and your morals it will be well worth the wait. But let's save chivalry before it's gone and step into what relationships actually could be.

Don't you want to wait for a love that is of value instead of waiting for a 23-second relationship?

I know I do, so instead of being a sappy or a sad mess, or instead of only valuing your relationship one day a year, start to change your view of love. Be the first step of change amidst the hook-up culture that exists on college campuses all over the US.

We need to redefine relationships, not just on February 14th, but always!