A recent trip down the candy aisle at a big brand store in Vestal had Sheri stop in her tracks when she spotted a bag of conversation candy hearts.

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Sheri tells Townsquare Media that she couldn't help but stop and scoop up a bag even though she doesn't particularly like the taste of the candy. When we asked why she felt compelled to buy a bag, she told us it was because the candy reminded her of her childhood.

Candy conversation hearts were introduced to the world in 1866 and have become synonymous with Valentine's Day ever since. An estimated eight billion Sweetheart candies are sold each year in the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day and make up roughly 40 percent of all Valentine's Day-themed candies.

Every year, Sweetheart's conversation candy hearts selects a new theme for their little treats and this is what Sheri noticed - that the sayings on the hearts were not the traditional type.

This year, the theme of Sweetheart's candy hearts is animals. Those purchasing the candy this year will find words like "PUGS & KITTENS," printed on the candy as a nod to our favorite furry friends.

Don't worry though - the phrases we've come to know and love through the years are still mixed in right alongside the new phrases. Phrases such as "HUGE ME, "CUTIE PIE," and perhaps the most loved, "BE MINE."

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