February 14, also known as National Singles Awareness Day, is finally upon us.

It used to be so simple. A shoebox, construction paper and cheap, puppy-themed valentines were all you needed for a successful day. The endless sugary treats, heart-shaped suckers and pink balloons made Valentine’s Day one of the best of the school year.

Growing up, I always dreamed of the day I’d get a note saying, “I like you. Do you like me? Check yes or no.”

Then I got to high school.

Valentine’s Day became a callous reminder of my lack-of-suitor status. I had no one to send me heart-shaped balloons or put cute notes in my locker. Aside from the one time I got a cookie basket from my parents, the most eventful Valentine’s Day I had was when I was briefly dating “Henry,” and he gave me a bracelet with my astrological sign on it.

So V-Day became just another day. It just happens to be a day decorated with mushy love stuff.

When I got to college, I expected Valentine’s Day to be different, a day full of romantic gestures and poetry. A friend of mine told me of her first V-Day in college. A cute guy stopped her on Lowry Mall and offered a red carnation while serenading her. She rejected him because she’s awkward.

These things don’t happen in real life. At least not for me, that is.

I recall exchanging a few valentines with the kids on sixth floor Schurz and a care package from the fam, but that was it. I spent the entire day secretly wishing that the guy I had a crush on would slip me an invitation to dinner and a movie, but it never happened. A girl can dream, right?

However, this year was going to be different.

Now I know that I say I’m single, but that is not entirely true. I am (was) in a pseudo-relationship. A pseudo-relationship is essentially a real relationship, except not really. It’s a mutual agreement between a friend to hang out, get pizza and watch a good movie together, like date night, and not make things weird between the two of you.

The person I am (was) in a pseudo-relationship with is an RA friend I work with. Let’s call him Alex (his name really is Alex). We go to Walmart, Little Caesars and watch romantic comedies together for our pseudo-dates, and it is great.

Alex was on call (meaning he has to be in the building we work at by 8 p.m.) on Valentine’s Day, and I agreed to work as back up (also in the building) so that we could have another pseudo-date. Then he ditched me.

Ultimate Frisbee. What an excuse! Alex has a “tournament” and “has to go.” I gave up my Friday night, my _Valentine’s Day,_ for this kid and he is leaving me to throw a disc with sweaty boys. I’m not saying I’m bitter, but I’m a little bitter.

Now, Alex is a great guy. I can’t blame him for having a life outside our pseudo-relationship, but it still hurts, you know?

So my V-Day will now be spent the same as all my previous Feb. 14s: enjoying a romantic evening consisting of dinner and a movie for one (i.e., a dining hall sandwich and Netflix).

If I do ever end up with a Valentine’s Day date, here are a few tips for the lucky guy: Let’s be honest, I’ve never been a big romance person. I’m a pretty simple girl. A solid date night for me consists of Settlers of Catan, a long walk and a funny movie. I’m pretty easy to please. However, if you want to throw in a hot air balloon ride, I wouldn’t complain.

What I’ve come to accept is that Valentine’s Day is just another day. If you do have a significant other, that is super awesome. This day was designed for you, and I hope that you have a great day full of sappy moments and bliss.

For the rest of you, I’m in the same boat.