The day after Christmas, people everywhere were assaulted by the sight of a monstrosity: Valentine's Day merchandise. There it sits to this day. So obnoxiously pink and red and boasting of perfect gifts for that special someone. Despite the overwhelming array of pinks and reds, a certain group of people find themselves coming down with the blues. This large group is commonly referred to as "single." *Cue gasps* Single? On Valentine's Day? Brace yourselves for the excessive moping and #foreveralone posts. My mission is to completely reverse this self-deprecating way of thinking.

First of all, Valentine's Day is so highly commercialized that any former sentimental value has been completely thrown away. You have to get each other cards, better get your girl at least a dozen roses, can't forget that heart-shaped box of chocolates and heaven forbid you forgo the disgustingly romantic dinner. While I can't deny the excitement of getting actual, tangible mail, those cards will most likely be exchanged in person, which loses the effect. What if she doesn't like roses, or the guy wants flowers? Will relationships be able to withstand the trial of venturing outside of the "romantic" template businesses provide? Romantic dinners are hardly romantic when every other couple in town and their cousin Bob had the same idea. After shouting across the table to each other all night and waiting an hour to get food that isn't worth the price, you'll realize it would've been nice to order pizza and watch something on Netflix instead. However, that couldn't possibly work out, because society and the businesses that cater to us have deemed that ideal situation too average for what should be an extravagant night.

Back to those heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. In my experience, they often contain an assortment of turtles and such, which in theory, is great because you get to have a little bit of everything. In reality, you get stuck with some nasty combinations - cherries, nuts, and some wimpy white chocolate - when all you really wanted was some unaltered milk chocolate. Those 80 percent-worthless boxes of chocolates are challenging relationships left and right. They're a sweet sentiment, but cherries? It's like he doesn't even know you!

Another commercialized element of Valentine's Day is that the gifts are almost exclusively limited to significant others. Do you love your mom? How about your best friend? Or yourself? You deserve whatever you want out of Valentine's Day, and so do those who are important to you, regardless of relationship status. Plan a secret Valentine gift exchange with your friends, if that's what floats your boat. There's no need to get hung up over not being able to give and receive gifts with "the one."

Did you hear that Dairy Queen has a special blizzard just for you, you lonely-only? Dairy Queen gets you. Dairy Queen loves you, especially if you're single.

Regardless of whether you're single, in a relationship or something else entirely, don't let Valentine's Day get under your skin. Instead, appreciate it for what it truly is: a chance to get glorious amounts of chocolate for a steal of a deal on the 15th. You bet your britches I'm going for one of those ridiculously large stuffed pandas at Walmart.

And just in case no one tells you: you're beautiful, inside and out.