Valentine’s Day the one day of the year specifically dedicated to love. Couples exchanging gifts that proclaim their passion for each other, kids handing out cute little “be mine” character cards to their classmates and friends, and everyone feeling the power of love. Well not everyone that is. What about all the single people? To some this is the most dreadful day of the year. Just because Cupid didn’t hit you with his arrow this year doesn’t mean you have to spend all day moping around and constantly reminding yourself about how you’re going to be “forever alone”, instead turn the negative into a positive. Here are hopefully some helpful ideas on how to get through the 14^th in one piece.

Just because you think you’re alone doesn’t mean you’re excluded. Take this opportunity to become your own Valentine. Spend the money you would’ve on someone else, on yourself. To some this can sound a bit selfish but let’s face it, you deserve a break. Buy yourself chocolate or flowers, take a bubble bath, or go shopping. Make it your day.

If you don’t like the thought of spending the 14^th alone, what not a better time to spend it with friends. Do a group activity like going to a theme park, dinner or bowling. You could always just have a movie night complete with popcorn, pizza, ice cream and the complete series of the typical romance movies. There’s also always the option to spend the day with the family.

If none of these are really your style, you can always give back to the community. I know, you’re probably thinking I’m crazy but there’s really no better feeling than knowing you’ve done something good for humanity. The nice things about it is you’re helping someone or something else and there’s a large array of things to choose from wither its picking up trash or volunteering at your local animal shelter. Puppies need love too.

Whether you choose to pamper yourself, spend the day with loved ones or give back to the community, Valentine’s Day isn’t as depressing as it could seem. Just because you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend to share it with doesn’t mean you need to lock your doors and cry in your room all day. Just remember, worse case, you can always throw an “I hate love” party, destroying anything remotely valentine’s day related.