It’s that time of year again and you don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day... don’t stress out. Like many single people, you might think that this is a big deal and all the lovey dovey advertisements we’re getting force fed doesn’t help. But I’m here to tell you that it’s not a big deal at all. Valentine’s Day makes a lot of people miserable but it doesn’t have to. There are many happy single people celebrating this day.  Some call it “Single’s awareness day” while others call it ‘Galentine’s day’; whatever your preference is, don’t fall for the hype of having to be apart of a couple to enjoy this holiday. It can be hard to see what else life has to offer when bombarded with romance and heart-shaped EVERYTHING. So here are a few things to help you enjoy being single on Valentine’s Day.

Rather than focusing on your romantic relationships, focus on the amazing people you have in your life. Make reservations for dinner with your best friends or see a good movie. If you don’t want to be around all the lovey dovey couples at a restaurant, simple fix; grab a drink with the guys, or plan a spa day with your girls. Nurture those friendships because it’s usually those relationships that last.

Are all your friends coupled up? That’s fine. Whether it’s taking yourself out for a bite to eat or doing a solo Netflix and chill, enjoy your singleness. There are major benefits to being single, especially on Valentine’s Day (you’re saving money, you don’t have to pretend to like flowers that smell gross or spend the night at an overcrowded restaurant). Instead of being disappointed that your plans didn’t go the way you wanted or you didn’t get the gift you hoped for; remember how freeing it is to enjoy your own company. And treat yourself! Being single is all about doing what makes you happy. And you aren’t the only single one out there. I asked a few students how it feels to be single on Valentine’s Day and these are their responses

“It’s better to be single than force yourself into a situation just to be with someone on Valentine’s Day. I blame society’s standards that force people, especially women, to place such heavy importance on having a significant other. I find nothing wrong with being single on Valentine’s Day, it should be embraced.”- Jasmine Walker, Visual arts major

“I’m spending my valentine's day with my best friends. I always like spending time with them.” – Sean Walker, Biology major

“What bothers me is the expectation from others that you’re supposed to have a valentine and that it proves some form of validation that someone loves you or that you love someone” – Ashley Saint Gille, Old Westbury Alumni

Once you get past the Instagram feed full of hearts and flowers, you’ll see other single people living their normal lives unbothered. Here’s an idea; Invite them out. Get a bunch of people together and go out for a night of dancing or throw your own ‘I’m single and loving it’ party.

Whether you have a hot date with your Netflix or meeting up with your single friends remember, be happy with yourself regardless of your relationship status. And if you’re like most of us and find yourself without a Valentine this year, be your own.