Chocolate, Flowers, Diamonds, and Cupid. Yes it’s the one day of the year that many single ladies all over the country are dreading, Valentine’s Day.

Drowning your sorrows in a box of Russell Stover’s and listening to “All by Myself” is not the best plan, even though Celine Dion’s version is excellent.

Often at many colleges, people meet their future spouses. Yet, when I first came to Benedictine I felt that the “Mrs.” Degree was hyped up a bit too much.

This distorted my view on judging relationships and yes as sad as it sounds, I looked upon anyone with XY chromosomes as potential hubby material. I mean I made my poor grumbling- stomached friends wait for me to go to dinner while I put on my make-up to look good!

You see, I was thinking all along that Mr. Right must be at Benedictine, when that isn’t always the case. I am a romantic and enjoy hearing all the adorable BC engagement stories, but I don’t ever want finding a husband to be my only mindset again. After all, college isn’t only for finding a husband, but meeting some amazing bridesmaids too.

Instead of wishing you had a special valentine, spend time with your other single ladies!

My friend from high school has had a man constantly by her side as long as I have known her. I met her in sixth grade! She was in a long relationship with a guy for three years, but the minute he ended it with her, she had a new interest within a week.

Everyone knows her as the girl who couldn’t be single longer than a week. We shouldn’t let our relationship statuses define our identity by any means.

Although a good movie, were not all Bridget Jones desperately searching for a man, and even thought it would be lovely we don’t have it easy like Taylor Swift.

Take this time of being single to prepare you for future relationships. Be a little selfish and focus on YOU. Look at your friend’s relationships and be happy for them, not jealous or spiteful. I believe it’s a great idea to have close guy friends too. Getting a man’s perspective on things is always helpful and they especially need our help too.

So if you are worried that you won’t end up getting your “Mrs. Degree” here at Benedictine, don’t stress. Make February 14 not a day just for couples, but letting your friends know how much you love them.

Eat some chocolate (with others preferably), and belt out “Holding Out for a Hero”, which many of us could be doing for awhile.

Josephine Pence is a freshman from Mankato Min. and is majoring in mass communications. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it