The shelves of stores are stocked with red and pink heart shaped boxes filled with creamy chocolates and a variety of plush stuffed animals. There is heart decor hanging from the ceilings and surrounding everything. Love appears to be in the air, literally. That’s right, Valentine's Day is approaching.

Everyone dreams of finding that special someone to love, care for, and to possibly spend the rest of their lives with. Many people expect to be taken out, and shown love and care. Though this sounds like a great idea, but not everybody is in a loving relationship. Also, having such high expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment.

Yes, I have had a “valentine”, or special someone ever since I was an underclassmen in high school. Yes, this is the first year in quite a while that I will be single on this romanticized couples holiday. However, in my mere eight months of being single, I have learned that I do not need to long for a relationship just because society tells me I should be in one.

Yes, it’s exciting to get dressed up and go out, but if there is no intimacy then what is the point? Even if you are in a committed relationship, your significant should show you love and affection everyday, not just on Valentine’s Day.

Dates should be an often occurrence and gifts should be given because you want to, not because society is telling you to do so. In reality, what makes February 14th different from February 15th or any other day of the year?

So for all of you who are single and dreading it on Valentine’s Day this year and every year to come, try to see it as a positive thing and embrace it. Treat yourself to some chocolate and your favorite food, watch Netflix and let yourself relax and enjoy the day just as you would on any other day of the week.

Your special someone, somebody who will show you love and affection on Valentine's Day, and everyday of the year, will come eventually and they will show you why it never worked out with anybody else. Being sad and acting as if not having a Valentine is just a waste of time. It is nowhere near the end of the world.

Although, if you do happen to have a special someone in your life to celebrate with, celebrate as you wish and do whatever you and your partner see fit for the day. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against the idea of expressing love or anything like that. I love, love the idea of being in love just as much as the next person.

However, I just want to remind myself, and the others out there who will be single on Valentine's Day, to not feel any less of themselves for being single. Despite what society may tell you, It is okay.

We can, and I’m sure we will all get through this together one way or another. So, do not keep yourself busy on Valentine's Day by feeling bad for yourself and moping around. Make this day about bettering yourself and doing whatever your heart desires. You deserve it.