Every year I feel like the Grinch, strumming his fingers atop Mt. Krumpet, dreading the arrival of a certain day. Except it’s not Christmas in my case.

Valentine’s Day is my least favorite holiday.

Year in and year out couples tell each other how much they love each other as they go out on dates to expensive restaurants and trade gifts.

All this time, they are falling hook, line and sinker for Corporate America’s scheme to make us spend lots of money on non-essential goods like greeting cards.

Meanwhile, those same starry-eyed couples don’t stop and think about their single friends who are not invited to share in the festivities.

Even though I’m single, I’m not anti-love. I have no problem with content, consenting people in relationships who want to reaffirm their affections.

But couples already get two birthdays and an anniversary together, not to mention the pleasure of each other’s company every day of the year. Why should they get another special day?

The biggest problem I have with Valentine’s Day is that it celebrates romance while excluding people who fly solo. Christmas has many non-religious images associated with it, enough so it’s possible for non-Christians to celebrate it. You don’t need to be Irish to drink and celebrate on St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone can enjoy Groundhog’s Day, not just people from Pennsylvania.

But that’s not the case with Valentine’s Day. If you’re old enough to be in a romantic relationship but you’re keeping your options open, don’t bother celebrating, it’s not a day for you.

Not one advertisement for roses, cards, boxes of chocolate and pieces of jewelry on Valentine’s Day is marketed toward single people. Instead, they all say, “Get something for that special someone in your life.”

What if there is no special someone yet? Does that make me inferior? Why do I need a special someone? Am I allowed to like myself the way I am?

For every reader who can claim a significant other, please at least take a moment to think of and acknowledge your single friends. Or, better yet, save some money and skip the holiday altogether.

For all of the single readers out there, I’m issuing a challenge.

If you’re happy and satisfied with the way you are, I invite you to join me in protest this Saturday.

I won’t acknowledge Valentine’s Day this year. I will not wish anyone a happy Valentine’s Day, I will not wear red or pink and I will not eat a single piece of candy.

As far as I’m concerned, candy is a symbol of oppression on Valentine’s Day (besides, those chalky little hearts are gross).

I will be using my energy in a more constructive way by screaming myself hoarse for our basketball teams as both play Southern Illinois.