It's that time of year again. No matter where you go, you see happy couples exchanging loving glances and boxes of chocolates. Flower arrangements are crowding grocery and convenience stores, and even your inbox is flooded with emails from stores with sales and reminders. Valentine's Day is upon us, and for single people this can be one of, if not the worst, time of the year. But it doesn't have to be.

Every Valentine's Day I find myself in the same predicament, single and valentine-less. One might find that after 18 years of this it must really suck, but really with the right mindset, I've managed to make the most coupley holiday of the year a great day to take time for myself. Instead of going out with a significant other for a fancy dinner, I go out with my equally single best friends to go see a movie and have dinner, or even just stay at home and have a girl's night.

Get dressed up in your best outfit that makes you look and feel your best, do your hair and makeup, and go out to a fancy restaurant that you and your friend both enjoy. Last year, my best friend and I got our nails done, had dinner at The Melting Pot, went shopping, and had a great time. Previous years before that I've had people come over for a movie night filled with pizza, ice cream bars, face masks, and just time to catch up on life. Hell, if you're of age, even throw in a bottle of wine (or two).The possibilities are endless.

Just because you're single on Valentine's Day does not mean that no one loves you and you will be forever alone. It's not your time yet, and that is perfectly OK. You don't need a significant other to determine your self worth and you certainly don't need one to be happy. You are perfectly capable of creating your own happiness. So, take this day to focus on you and what you want in your life. Don't focus on the things you don't have, focus on the things you have and the positive things you want in your life. Your goals, aspirations, ambitions, and even just what you need right now in your life.

So if you ever feel bad about not having a Valentine today, just remember plenty of other people don't either, and you're not alone. Being single doesn't have to suck, it can be just as equally awesome spending the day with your friends or even by yourself. You don't need a significant other to buy you chocolate or flowers, do it yourself, you deserve them! Between juggling a social life, college and/or a job, and also having to worry about everyone else in your life, spend the extra $15 on a nice bouquet and a box of chocolates, even splurge on a cute little teddy bear. Today's your day. As the wise dynamic duo of Tom Haverford and Donna Meagle once said: