CREDIT: LISA KELLY

It seems like Valentine's Day merchandise comes out earlier every year, as if retailers somehow forgot that the biggest influx of Valentine's Day shopping happens on the actual day, usually hours before the dreaded Valentine's Day date. The day Valentine's merchandise gets stocked on the shelves is quite possibly the worst day of the year. This is the beginning of a two-month-long reminder to all singletons in the city — that they are indeed epically single.

You know what's a better holiday than Valentine's Day? Aside from every other holiday — discount Valentine's Day chocolate day trumps actual V-Day every year. It should be a national holiday, really. It's the favourite of single people who like to drown their sorrows in discount chocolate, wine and Ryan Gosling movies. Clearly we're saving ourselves for RyGos, that's why we're single — duh.

When you're filled with thoughts of despair, remember it's important to love yourself. Make some metime this Valentine's Day weekend to treat yourself. Have you been eying a cute pair of shoes lately? Or maybe there's a book you've been dying to read? Whatever it is, do it.

Love yourself, and the rest will come later.

Just because you don't have a significant other doesn't mean you have to spend your Valentine's Day alone, drinking wine and cruising Tinder. Instead, you should some time to appreciate all the other wonderful people in your life, such as friends and family — even your dog.

Here are some fun activities to do sans significant other and how to look fashionable doing them.

Retail therapy

What's one of the many wonderful things about being single on Valentine's Day? You don't have to drop a ton of cash on your SO, which means you have more money to purchase the things that you like. Although a new study by Erasmus University has suggested that retail therapy actually makes you feel worse, we all know that is a blasphemous lie. At the risk of sounding materialistic, no man has ever made me as happy as my studded peep toe pumps from Torrid. It's important to remember that retail therapy should not equal going into debt. Stick to one or two purchases, maybe a dress that flaunts your curves or a new pair of jeans that fit you just right. The idea is to make purchases that make you feel great about yourself.

Dress code: If you're a marathon shopper, it's important to wear clothing that's comfortable and easy to get in and out of. A comfy sweater dress or a jersey dress is perfect for the occasion. Pair with tights and boots — any style — and you've got a look that's comfortably chic.

Girls night out

You don't need a significant other to enjoy a night out. Grab a group of friends and hit the town. If you're planning to go out for dinner, plan ahead and make a reservation. Chances are, Richmond's finest establishments will be flooded with couples on romantic dinner dates. After dinner, hit up your favourite club for a night of dancing with your girls.

Dress code: Some bars implement an annoying red or pink dress code for occasions like this. Before you go out, you'll need to decide if you're going to participate or find a bar that isn't Valentine's Day on steroids. As pub hopping is quite popular, your safest bet is to wear a cute little black dress and accessorize with pink or red. You won't look like a walking Valentine, but you won't have any dress code issues either. Most importantly, wear comfy shoes. Don't be that girl who wants to walk around barefoot in -20 degree weather; you're married to your shoes for the night.

Girls night in

While spending a night out on the town with your girls is all fine and dandy, sometimes nothing can make you happier than spending the night in with a stack of movies, Chinese take-out and a bottle of wine. Throw in a game of Cards Against Humanity, and you've got a great night on your hands.

Dress code: Spending the night in calls for comfy clothes, but that doesn't mean you can't be fashionably comfy. Combine jeans or leggings with a comfy oversized sweater or a cardi shawl and T-shirt, and you're golden.

Whatever you do this Valentine's Day, the most important thing to remember is that it's just another day of the year.