Whether you cringe or melt at the thought of it, Valentine’s day is just around the corner.

Flashback: remember what Valentine’s day was like in elementary school? When your innocent little self would give Disney or Barbie Valentine’s cards to your classmates, sealed with a pink heart-shaped sticker? Followed by the eating of cupcakes and the mass consumption of cinnamon hearts?

All was well.

Now, it tends to cause more stress, or even disappointment, than your ordinary day. Some of you may even go as far as saying you would prefer if this day did not exist.

Whether you’re in love, looking for love, or content with being single, here are the best and worst things about this day.

The Best.

1. Sweet Stuff   

Festive cookies from a recent visit to Dufflet - my favourite bakery in Toronto

My personal favourites are cinnamon hearts, red velvet cake, and anything chocolatey! As long as it’s festive, it qualifies as an excuse to indulge.

2. Expressing yourself

Whether you have a Valentine or not, it’s the perfect chance to tell someone how much they mean to you – even if it’s just to a friend.

The Worst.

1. Expectations

When your boyfriend doesn’t show up with a pair of signed Louboutins for you, don’t be disappointed. Although it’s an extreme example (and my idea of the perfect gift), we often play up the idea of Valentine’s day in our head. Which, unfortunately enough, isn’t always lived up to, leaving our dreams shattered and our hands reaching for the ever-comforting tub of Ben & Jerry’s.

2. The Look

Since I’m single on Valentine’s day this year, I can already predict the look: the I-don’t-know-whether-to-openly-pity-you-or-pretend-it’s-no-big-deal-to-be-single-on-Valentine’s-day look from every non-single person.

So, for all the single gals out there, here’s some advice I find uplifting:

Stay classy – and enjoy your Valentine’s day.

L.