Everybody’s favorite, polarizing day of love just passed—and not everybody was as ready for it as you may think. But why is that? Here are some reasons people like me give as to why “Singles Awareness Day” isn’t as marvelous as it should be.

1. You were hurt.

Naturally, if you’ve been broken up with recently, why should you watch others push their happiness in you face?

2. You are pressured to find love.

So you’ve been carefully plotting how to ask out that special someone since New Year’s Eve, and now—all of the sudden—a national holiday demands you jump the gun and present your affections early?! So much planning gone awry!

3. You'll feel extra lonely if you can't make plans.

Try as hard as you might to be “single and independent,” deep down inside we all long for some companionship at one point or another in our lives. On Valentine’s Day, even the hardest individualist looks in the mirror with a frown, and begins to think “What’s wrong with me?”

Yet, whether or not you praise or detest “Corporate Greed Day…”

There is truly no reason to be bitter on a day about love—and not even necessarily about love of others! Here are three reasons for everybody to always have a smile on your face.

1. Candy. Or more specifically...

Wasn’t that obvious? Usually the day after Valentine’s Day, department stores have ridiculously huge sales on candy. It’s like Second Halloween—but minus having to pay for an itchy, stuffy costume from the store!

2. Some people will have dates, but everybody will have friends.

Be assured: you will not be the only single person on Valentine’s Day. Which is why you should take the day to treat yourself and a friend. Have a sleepover, go see a movie, go bowling, exercise, play a new board game—the possibilities are endless. And remember: nobody is truly ever alone.

3. The person who loves you most is yourself.

Well… You and Patrick, anyways. But truly, the day shouldn’t bitter you—it should inspire you to spend the day treating yourself—finding why you’re such a wonderful person. No matter what your age you should realize that it will ALWAYS be possible for you to find somebody who loves you more than you could possibly know. You’re a wonderful person: you know it, your parents know it, and your friends do, too. You don’t need a person to take you out to tell you that.

Trust me: at least Patrick loves you!

Happy Valentine’s Day, everybody!