Live and learn

Every Valentine's Day, I sit back and watch single people who mope around, looking for pity due to their loneliness on America's favorite Hallmark holiday.

While part of me feels bad for them, I mainly don't understand why this even happens.

Love is a touchy subject that only the romance experts like Aaron Moe should go near. Nonetheless, on this cold February day, you're going to get my story.

Ever since I learned that women lacked "cooties," I was on the hunt for love. When I realized that the Pink Ranger from the original Power Rangers wasn't in reach, I continued my search in more attainable waters.

For years, crush after crush fell through my fingertips as I tried to ultimately attain the love that my parents have for each other. As I pressed for a chance with these women I fell for, and failed in doing so, I gave up hope. I, too, became a Valentine's Day zombie.

I eventually thought that there wasn't a fish in the sea for myself, so I stopped searching. I threw in the towel.

Looking back now, I realize what a poor decision that ultimately was. It should have given me the energy to push forward.

As I sit here and reflect on the relationships I've been through, I now realize that I've officially found the one.

Valentine's Day zombies might laugh at me, but I'm a firm believer that there is one person out there in the world that is meant to spend the rest of their life with another lucky person. No one is exempt from this fantastic rule.

Obviously, many people go through bad breakups and feel that they are destined to be single and alone. I've been there and I've felt that way at one point in my life.

It's the wrong way to think.

Bad relationships are a way of life. While they might be extremely painful directly after the fracture, they're great learning experiences.

Think about a photo album. What's in one? Nothing but pictures of great times and happy moments, of course.

What about the bad moments? Nobody ever takes photos of those. While they might not be important for filler space, they are vital to existence. Bad times are what lead to the good and great times that humans envy.

Because of this, every relationship I've ever been in - long-term or booty call - has been meaningful to me. Each girl that has entered and left my life has had a huge impact on me, putting me in the right direction in the search for my soulmate.

As I approach my 21st birthday, I can happily say that she's been found. While we have gone through some amazing adventures, there have been some equally important painful problems that have tried to break us apart. After rising from the ashes unscathed, I know that she's my future wife.

While many might look at me and consider me naive or young, I know that they are uninformed. I've done my research, and studied. I've practiced in the field and now I'm ready to start my "career."

For the first time in my life, I'm sure of this. I found that one special someone for me and I know that we're destined to grow old together.

Those who might be lonely on this Valentine's Day - don't act like a zombie. Just keep looking. That special someone is out there, waiting for you to enter his or her life.

Live and learn.