February 14th. Valentine’s Day. A twenty billion dollar scam. That’s right, you heard me. It’s a scam.

Shelves are packed to the max with pink, red, and white. Teddy bears. Chocolate. Jewelry. Decorations. Everyone is out on romantic dates — and you? You’re alone. Isolated. Depressed. Probably watching “the Notebook.”

Get up. Wipe those tears. It’s not all bad to be single on this overhyped holiday. Many people foolishly believe that the celebration takes place on Valentine’s Day, but the real holiday is the day after.

No more eternal waiting

February 15th. No more waiting in insanely long lines at restaurants. No more cringe worthy couples making out in the booth in front of you. No more three hour long waits — just to get a burger and fries.

Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day to go out to eat. Statistics show that over 1/3 of Americans go out to eat on Valentine’s Day alone, but on an average day, less than 1/5 visit restaurants.

The days after Valentine’s Day also provide the prime time for specials as restaurants work to get rid of excess food supplies. The days following a major holiday, restaurants sell their food for a discounted price, claiming it is a “special.”

Who cares if the food is a day away from the expiration date? It’s cheap.

Sales, sales, sales

First no more long lines, then no more ridiculous prices in stores? This day keeps getting better and better. Chocolate always tastes better when it’s cheaper, right?

The day after Valentine’s, prices on candy drops drastically, anywhere from 50-75%. It’s not known as “National Discounted Candy Day” for nothing.

Not only is chocolate affected by the price drop, but decorations, jewelry and stuffed animals are too. That jumbo stuffed animal you’ve been eyeing up? Now it’s 50% off. It might as well have your name written all over it.

Cry more, smile more

As for all of the tears that have been shed on the lonely holiday, they weren’t for nothing. Crying is actually good for you. When your tears fall, it triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killer.

Next time you’re feeling down about spending Valentine’s Day solo, just think. All of those people in relationships won’t have nearly as many feel-good chemicals in them as you.

Forever alone? Who cares!

The reward of February 15th is (almost) enough to make Valentine’s Day a bearable yearly event. Whenever you burst into tears as a result of your never ending loneliness, keep in mind that it’s actually a good thing, and that National Discounted Candy Day wouldn’t be a thing if Valentine’s Day wasn’t the day before.