February is finally over, and that means so is the Valentine's Day season. Although I may have spent my own Valentine's Day single, that doesn't mean I didn't have fun. As a matter of fact, I made some of my greatest memories with my single friends as we celebrated the holiday with cheap chocolate and sweatpants.

Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to have had a significant other for Valentine's, but I'm also grateful for my singleness. Being single has made me realize something: I need to respect myself.

One of the most common misconceptions I've had as a woman is that to feel valued I need to be in a relationship. And sure, while pursuing a career and traveling is fine, I need to eventually be moving towards settling down.

I have absolutely no problem towards stay at home moms. What I do have a problem towards is being constantly asked about my romantic life and being pitied for being single.

"You just haven't met the right guy." Gee thanks Linda, but I never said I was even looking for "the right guy" at this time in my life . I don't need to date just because I'm tired of being single. I am all about dating as a freshman in college (or at any period of life), but only if it's because you actually like the person you're with, not because "all my friends have boyfriends and I feel lonely."

And that's why this post is about respecting yourself.

When you are constantly seeking a significant other because you need validation from another person to feel good or because everyone "pities" you for being single, then that's not a dating issue, that's a loving yourself issue. The only way you'll ever truly be happy with yourself and with a partner is when you can have a healthy relationship with yourself.

Which will take time. Trust me: I am definitely still learning to love and respect myself the way I should. But part of that involves being patient and not kicking myself for mistakes or for not feeling good enough because I'm single.

So, if you're single or if you're in a relationship, remember that the closest and most important relationship you can have is with yourself. Treat it and respect it like that.

(And love yourself, because you're freaking great)