That’s right everyone, it’s Singles Awareness Day.

For those of us who remain wild and free, Valentine’s Day is a time to sit back and realize that our wallets are full as those who are tied down scramble to find the perfect gift for their “perfect” person.

That’s why it’s sad.

Why is it that so many people focus on one day to do something special for the person they love? And worse, why is that “something” almost always in the form of a gift? If you love someone, you should do the little things that show you care every day of the year.

The fact that I refuse to settle for any less than this probably has a little something to do with why I’m single.

But it’s also sad that many single people aren’t enjoying the fact that their wallets are full and their stress level’s low.

Instead, they’re down on themselves thinking, “Everyone has someone except for me.”

I used to be one of those people until I realized something: I am a unique young lady who has a hell of a lot to offer the world. If people are too blind to notice then they are not worth stressing over.

Every person out there can say the same thing.

Take me, for example.

How many girls out there can say that they own only one purse? (Pick those jaws up off the ground, ladies.)

I can.

It’s black, and it’s definitely not Prada or Louis Vuitton.

And if it doesn’t match my shoes, which are not stilettos, I can fall sleep at night knowing that the world will still be here the next morning.

Honestly, if people judge you by the bag you carry, rest assured, you are not the one with the problem.

Another question.

How many ladies can say that they’re hardcore professional wrestling fans?

I can.

While at home, you’ll find me eating pizza and drinking Mountain Dew with the guys on Sunday nights. And you can bet that every time Ric Flair chest chops someone I am out of my seat screaming “wooooooo” with all the guys.

I’d take the opportunity to attend a live wrestling event over shopping or a makeover any day.

And how many people will willingly admit to being an 80s music fanatic?

I will.

I know there’s all that wonderful modern rap with words that are definitely not understandable about activities that some people understand a bit too well.

Despite the oh-so-deep meaning and endless creativity found in today’s music, you’ll still find me walking around campus rockin’ out to “Summer of 69″ on my iPod.

My point in all this is that being a happy single on SAD is all about being comfortable with yourself and being able to define who you are.

The only dates I’ve had for SAD in the last two years were with 25 other swimmer girls, our coaches and a Sunbelt Conference Championship. That’s not too shabby for Lisa.

So “chin up” to all of you singles out there who are sad about not having someone for the big day.

You’re unique.

You have a lot to offer people.

And you’re not flat broke.

Lisa Ross is a junior news/editorial major from Merillville, Ind.