War, not love, is why we celebrate Valentine's Day

War was the driving force behind Valentine's Day.

There are a number of legends behind Valentine's Day, but the most popular surrounds a Roman emperor and his priest. Back, back, back in the day (the 3rd century, Rome) Emperor Claudius II decided that young single men made better soldiers than men with wives and children. So, Claudius outlawed young men to get married in an effort to strengthen his troops. Some people weren't too thrilled with this decree, one of these people being a certain priest, Valentine.

Valentine decided to secretly marry people anyway. Naturally, this pissed Claudius off, and Valentine was whacked. All of this is said to have happened in the middle of February, which is why Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th of February.

While some people love to hate this candy coated, rose petaled, love filled, commercial holiday, others can't wait to celebrate tonight with their sweeties. To all of you who will be "celebrating" I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day.

Someone who doesn't love me on V-day, my dog...

To all the fabulous singles out there (33% in NYC), think about all the money you saved being single on V-Day, and then go utilize the President's Day sales and spend it on yourself.

For more information on the history of Valentine's Day, visit History.com.