Time and time again, I'm sure you've heard the saying "All you need is love". And I'm sure that when you hear it, your mind immediately goes to the idea of a partner loving you, correct? I do too.

I'm someone who loves love and all my life I've been dreaming of the kind of love that you see in the movies, even though I don't possess the typical feminine characteristics portrayed in that scenario. In the past, I wasn’t affectionate, I wasn’t emotional, I wasn’t the type to express myself effortlessly. But still, the idea of having that kind of a connection with someone always made my heart skip a beat - looking forward to the day when you just knew .. I lived for that kind of drama.

And so, around Valentine’s Day, there was always this underlying wish of wanting all of the bells and whistles and being disappointed when I didn’t get them. Growing up in this generation where love feels almost way too complicated, I've noticed that most of us seem to either really love love or we want no parts of it. I've been both. And I’ve found over the years, that when I celebrated the day with friends, instead of a s/o – I actually felt the love and joy that’s supposed to accompany the holiday instead of disappointment.

On a day like today, where social media can make you feel some kind of way, choose to see things differently. On a day that's supposed to be full of love, we tend to become quite divided with those claiming that Valentine’s Day is overrated versus those that post pictures with short-stories as the caption, screaming love from the rooftops. So I wonder, why focus on the negative aspect when you can join in on the fun? Let people bask in their love and stop hating. Think about who you love, and post em too. Even if its your dog.

If you find yourself single this Valentine's Day, I propose that you spend the day with your friends or loved ones. You don't have to be inlove to appreciate the holiday. It's actually a really cute day that celebrates all types of love when you're not hating on it. Buy your friends some candy and a cute card or better yet, treat yourself. People always get their panties in a bunch around this time of the year because they feel the need to put on for social media and the people around them. It's unnecessary. And I'm not just talking out of my ass because I'm currently in a relationship. I wasn't always in this relationship. A couple of years ago, me and my bestfriend went to dinner with both of our moms and we literally had the best time, the four of us. No s/o's, yet all of the love bells and whistles.

There's a quote that says something about not needing anyone else to make you happy, I'm sure its quite profound but I'm not even going to get into all of that right now. The point is ... it's real, if you want to adopt the mindset. This holiday can either be super sweet and celebrated just like any other or it can suck. It's up to you. Last year, I remember creating a playlist of love songs that I wanted to hear throughout the day because I was determined not to sit and feel sorry for myself because I was single. I spent the day writing and blasting my playlist and then I got dolled up, took some flicks and went to dinner with some girlfriends and had the dopest Galentine's Day with good food and drinks.

So.

Make your playlists or, do yourself a favor and listen to my girl Briggie Smalls latest playlist on Apple Music titled "Not Your Average V-Day Playlist" (click the link below), get dressed up in whatever makes you feel good, link up with whoever it is that brings you joy in this life ... family, friends, and/or your pet. And just enjoy.

If you think Valentine's Day is overrated, try and remember ...

The pressure is. The love isn’t.