You know that girl who is obsessed with everything love? You know, that girl who is excited when Christmas is over because she knows Walmart is about to be flooded with all things Valentine’s Day. You probably know of a girl who can’t walk into a store in February, without smelling the flowers, cuddling the stuffed animals, or yearning for chocolate candies…Dove chocolate of course, no nuts or caramel (that’s the only chocolate you should yearn for.) Anyways, that girl is totally me. Always has been. Always will be.

Anyone who knows me knows I am a hopeless romantic. I love all things love. I honestly believe Nicholas Sparks became an author to satisfy me. Any book, tv show, or movie with romance… more than likely I will enjoy. No matter the circumstance, I try to stay positive because I live daily by the quote “Where there is love, there is life” -Mahatma Gandhi. So, knowing this, you can see why I may take a special interest in Valentine’s Day.

There is a widely known myth that I’m sure everyone has heard… “All single people hate Valentine’s Day.” False. This is the first year in several years I have not had a boyfriend when February 14^th rolls around. While I have always been in a relationship in which V-Day was made a huge deal or had some cliché elementary “relationship” in which I was guaranteed to get a cute little teddy bear, this year it’s different and I’m okay with that. I have decided to take on a different perspective than my fellow single gals across the world and look at how there is still so much to love about the day of love.

Last year on Valentine’s Day, my roommate and I planned to have a “Galentines” Day this year since we would be away from our boyfriends at school. A year has passed, and our plan is still in place. How can you possibly hate Valentine’s Day when you have girl friends like mine who count down the days until your girls’ night? Of course, I have always looked forward to dates with boyfriends, but this year I am especially looking forward to a night out with my girls. Although we are not celebrating on the actual day, I will still not be hating on the holiday, for many reasons.

Some people see Valentine’s Day as a pointless holiday. I’ve heard how it’s just a waste of money and no doubt I’ve heard how it’s “just” another day. I mean, okay, yes we know you love your significant other every day of the year and you don’t need a special holiday to prove it…but since this holiday does exist, why would you not want to take that day to show your love a little more drastically than the other 364 days in the year.

I’m not saying go spend a fortune, or go to drastic measures on a date, I’m a firm believer in simpler is sweeter. What I am saying is…make sure your special person knows how special they are to you on this extra special day.

If you are one of those people who says it’s “just a day,” well then I hate to break it to you but you can’t hate “just a day” because it’s Valentine’s Day and you’re single. That’s like hating Wednesdays because you don’t have a dog. Your life is not a poor remake of the movie “I Hate Valentine’s Day.”

Maybe there’s no guy showing up to your door with flowers this year or you won’t receive a card in which you don’t know which is cheesier, the card or the love letter inside… but Lord willin this isn’t your last February 14^th. So smile for the ones who do have a reason to look forward to this holiday and remind yourself that this day isn’t just for couples.

I look so forward to seeing everyone’s face light up on Valentine’s Day because no doubt…love is in the air. Boyfriend/Girlfriend or not…there’s so much more to smile about because YOU are loved. Never forget that! It’s honestly been difficult to be in a different situation this year, but if you’re in the same boat as me, remember these three things…

1. You can still stop to smell the flowers… get a bouquet for yourself, so of course you’re guaranteed to get your favorites.

2. There is nothing wrong with cuddling every stuffed animal in the store… Walmart has some for $5, you guys…just saying.

3. Valentine’s Candy is 50% off on February 15…do not miss out on fresh chocolates for half the price. Treat yourself.