OK yes, during the first fortnight of February I grow to hate the oncoming storm of broken hearts, otherwise known as Valentine’s Day, just like everyone else.

However, unlike most single party-crashers, my hatred is topped off with a vanilla twist. Early February consistently marks the month that I become a traitor to the single majority, of which I seem to be a lifelong member, and say this: Quit complaining.

That’s right. I don’t hate the idea of pink hearts, red roses, heart-shaped candies or dinner for two. What I can’t stand is having another dear friend or hazy acquaintance tell me they can’t stand the corporate bash because they are single, they are broke or because it simply is a made-up holiday.

What is this annual scripted depression act all about? Aren’t we comfortable being single on Feb. 13? Why does the 14th bring a sudden wave of self-doubt that has us convinced we’re not good enough to be loved and we’re sentenced to a life in a one-bedroom apartment? We should be happy for those we know who have found a dinner date, and have the confidence to know that if we hold out long enough our reservations are forthcoming.

Even if the evening finds us without promise of an after-dinner make out, we can always celebrate the love we share with our closest friends and our families. After all, it is a day to celebrate all types of love, not just the one that winds up underneath the sheets. That said, who in their right mind doesn’t like a day centered around celebrating the people who make us feel the best?

Oh, so it’s not the implied meaning of the day that you don’t like, it’s the thought of having to spend money you don’t have on a significant other. And besides, Valentine’s Day is an over-commercialized attempt to siphon money away from you, right? True, it is. There are no shortages of advertisements that love to promote the “this Valentine’s day get her/him this .” Well, I saw a Hummer ad last week and I’m still not cruising around in the suburban tank.

My point? Who cares if it is over-hyped and at every turn you are prompted to buy something even more romantic? The choice to purchase is still yours. If you don’t have any money, your significant other should understand, as few of us are Donald Trumps just yet. I know tons of couples who decided that they weren’t going to spent outrageous sums of money, but they were going to find creative ways to express affection. Showing affection is free, keep in mind – you don’t need Hallmark to say “I love you.”

If you do have money but are playing the “I’m not a romantic guy” card – you need a new deck. If you don’t have the motivation to do something romantic for someone you’re in a relationship with, then why are you in one? The best part of a Valentine’s Day date is making someone else feel like they’re the most special person in your life. Being out of touch with your feelings is like getting bad grades – it was cool in high school, but at if you can’t get it together at this point, you’re a loser.

So, to all of you out there who hate Valentine’s Day because you are single, broke or unromantic: relax. It isn’t the be-all or end-all.

Whatever you end up doing, just eat some candy, have some laughs and keep a smile on your face. It’s not worth crying about.

– Dante Sacomani is a junior in journalism and mass communication. He is a Daily Staff Writer.