Everywhere we turn, there's love in the air. February for me means candy I'm not gonna have bought for me on grocery store shelves (though I will buy it myself February 15th when it's 50% off), mushy-gushy couples walking hand-in-hand down the street, and worst of it all: the never ending couple-y social media posts. I won't lie, I might be a little bitter.

I have been single for almost two years now. Almost all of high school, I was absorbed in multiple relationships. I came to college, and for me, the game totally changed. I've "talked" to people, but never really got past that. I jumped headfirst into busying myself in college. It just happened that the circle I have spent most of my time within college is comprised of strong, independent women, and I'm forever thankful for my girl gang. Life has taken me down a path focused on bettering myself and working hard. I am really thankful that I've learned how much of a #girlboss I can truly be over the last two years, but I won't lie that a lot of days, I wish I could have a boyfriend.

Lately, I've worked really hard on showing myself the values of being single. I tend to shed a negative light on it for myself, but in reality, I have accomplished so much more than just a relationship in college. I've been a leader, I've tried so many new things, and I've formed some really great friendships. I can't help but think about the fact that if I was in a relationship, maybe I wouldn't get to have all those experiences.

Valentine's Day can really remind you of how single you are. Yes, being single can be lonely and utterly boring, but being single can also be the best years of your life. If you frame it the right way, these are the years where you get to selfishly focus on you and just you. Use this time wisely: learn to be okay with being by yourself. Love and take care of yourself. Find your passions and hobbies. Do things solely for you. Go on that hike alone, get yourself that ice cream, take yourself to the movies and buy yourself dinner. You deserve it and don't rush a relationship. The right person will come along at the right time.

Singleness can be such a blessing and route to discovering yourself. So don't rush your next relationship too much. Sit back and enjoy the time while it lasts.