I ran into a friend of mine in the grocery store the other day. As we were chatting, I asked him about his plans for Valentine's Day. He shook his head sadly and said, "I'm not doing anything this year because I broke up with my girlfriend." I said how sorry I was and then after a few awkward minutes, we both moved on.

By the time I got home, I realized I was furious at myself and at Valentine's Day. This man has great friends and a very loving family. Yet, on Valentine's Day he planned to be alone. Why? He didn't have a girlfriend.

I thought about this and I felt angry. Personally, I think Valentine's Day discriminates against singles! The majority of the marketing blitz for it emphasizes being in a love relationship with a partner. The message is that if you're single, then you might as well forget Valentine's Day.

Wait a minute. What's wrong with being single? Think about it. I've thought about it and it makes me wish I could repeat that conversation with my friend. If I could, here's what I might have suggested to him:

WRITE YOURSELF A VALENTINE.

Buy or make a valentine. Inside it write things you like about yourself and what makes you special. But don't stop there, take the next step and mail this valentine to yourself. If Valentine's Day is about love, then why not express the love you have for who you are and the person you've become. You don't need someone else for that.

SEND FLOWERS TO YOURSELF

Okay, I know some of you are thinking that this is a selfish thing to do. But if you enjoy flowers, why shouldn't you give them to yourself? Let them remind you of what you have accomplished or what you plan to accomplish in this coming year. If not flowers, then send yourself a different gift as a reminder that you ARE loved.

CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS.

What's so important about having a partner, when you have supportive family members and/or friends who love you? Get together with the people who are important to you. Consider hosting a special meal or some other event. Whatever gathering you plan, take time to tell each person why they are special to you. And then they can tell you something special about yourself. That's sharing love.

DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD.

Think about what would make you feel good on Valentine's Day. Perhaps, it's sending a valentine to someone you know is lonely or sad, taking your dog for a nice long run in the park, going to that movie you've been wanting to see, or calling an old friend you haven't spoken to in ages. Doing something good for yourself or someone else is a wonderful expression of love and a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

I missed my opportunity with my friend, but I get a second chance with those of you reading this article. If you are single and dreading another Valentine's Day, stop it. Remember that love is more than just being a couple. Sure it's nice to be with someone special, but if you're not, it doesn't mean you don't have loving relationships.

This Valentine's Day pay tribute to love. Celebrate the love of whomever gives you support; a family member, the friend who's always been there for you, or even your pets!