Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and we have all been where some of you are right now.

Everyone's been solo for at least a few Valentine's Days in the past. Some people are not the least bit bothered by it, while others feel particularly alienated for their singleness. Singles handle Valentine's Day in many different ways from celebrating an anti-Valentine's Day with friends to spending the day in bed with soaps and chocolate that you bought for yourself. You should definitely spend the fourteenth in whatever way makes you happiest, but I hope none of you find yourself cursing this holiday.

I can definitely recall a few Valentine's Days that I spent being just a little bitter about not having anyone to celebrate with--- except I did have someone. Without fail, my mom and dad always bought balloons and candy for my brother and I. My brother always made me a card or coupons for hugs and kisses. Not a single Valentine's has gone by that I was not loved dearly. We all are.

My town, like many, throws dances every year around Valentine's Day for fathers and daughters, and for mothers and sons. These sweet dances are just one way to celebrate the love we feel for those closest to us. It's one of my favorite things about Valentine's Day; it's a time for us to take special care to remember those that we love and cherish in our lives. That means that there is something to appreciate about this holiday even if you don't have a significant other to celebrate with. Buy your parents a card or take your siblings out to eat at their favorite restaurant. Show the people you care about that you love them by telling them, "I want to spend this Valentine's Day with you!"

I know it can be a sucky feeling not getting flowers and a ridiculously large teddy bear on this day, but hang in there and find your silver lining. Make it a fun day full of love and laughter, and don't give another thought to cursing a holiday that does not have to be about you and a significant other.

Let's make this Valentine's Day about love in all its beautiful shapes and sizes.