When I admit the following, people tend to look at me as though I've sprouted a second head. Chalk it up to insanity, but I enjoyed being single on Valentine's Day.

I have no problem being bombarded by all things pink and red without a girlfriend. I see nothing wrong with changing the channel when a sappy movie comes on. I feel no sudden urge to curl up with the notebook.

Being single on Valentine's Day, aside from being a personal choice, has its perks.

I don't fret over ways to give cheesy gifts in a unique manner. I skip the pressure applied by Hallmark to prove to someone that I love them. And, at the risk of sounding completely nerdy, I don't have to give up valuable study time to go on a weeknight date.

It's hard not to feel a twinge of jealousy when listening to my friends brag about the creative and adorable gifts they bought or received from their significant others. But I'm quickly comforted by the realization that those presents weren't free.

I save myself a solid amount of cash without the pressure to buy a nice gift for my girlfriend. Instead of devoting a day to proving to someone that I care about him, I consider it a day to prove to myself that I care about me. Nothing beats a relaxing "mental health".

With no one to dedicate Feb. 14 to, it's a relief and a treat to dedicate it to myself.

To the perennial couples who've always had a special someone on Valentine's Day, my predicament might sound terrible.

I'm lucky enough to have plenty of loving friendships and relationships in my life that I feel no need to reinforce with flowers, cards, candy or gifts, handcrafted or otherwise.

I see no need to ruffle Cupid's feathers with sarcastic remarks on commercially packaged affection; I just choose not to buy into it.

I'm perfectly happy being perfectly single, regardless of what day of the year it is. And should a sudden depression arise, those Valentine's chocolates are readily available.

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