How to Survive Valentine's Day When You're Single

For many, Valentine's Day can be a lonely reminder of how very single you are, but it doesn't have to be. Remember that Valentine's Day isn't an actual holiday; it's a commercialized holiday meant to increase profit for companies, but if you think that flipping V-Day a bird is too cynical or even pathetic than there's no reason you can't celebrate it. Valentine's Day is the celebration of love and relationships. Grab your girlfriends, your family or throw a gender unbiased party to celebrate Cupid's day in style. Here's how to celebrate Valentine's Day even when you are single.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Candy hearts
• Cards for the family and friends
• Drinks and tapas if you're throwing a cocktail party
• Gifts for friends
• A great outfit

1. Grab your girlfriends and head out for a night of completely selfish pampering. While all your coupled friends are being forced to celebrate a foolish commercial holiday you're free to do whatever you want. Relish that fact with an expensive dinner or your favorite McDonald's meal super-sized and a night out on the town or have some friends over for a movie and popcorn.

2. Throw a dinner party for all of your friends and family, single and coupled. The truth is that less than half of the population could do without V-Day, so why not take some of the stress off those who are coupled by planning the day for them. Have D-Day inspired cocktails and ball-and-chain teasers or play silly games from your youth, like Spin the Bottle and Seven Minutes in Heaven.

3. Instead of moping in your single-doom, make someone else's day special. Think about all of the people out there who are alone everyday of the year. Volunteer at a hospital, orphanage or retirement home and spend your V-Day putting a smile on someone else's face. A hello and a little conversation are worth more than all the boxes of chocolates and roses in the world.

4. Do something special for your single friends. Surprise them with a little impromptu gift such as cupcakes delivered to the office, a bottle of champagne on the doorstep or an evergreen plant will show your eternal appreciation for the gift they bring to you year-round. We tend to take our personal relationships for granted, so take this day as your opportunity to feel the wonderful love of all your personal relationships.

5. Have dinner with your dad, grandpa, brother or gay best friend (or all four). If you just can't get over the fact that your man-less and single on Valentine's Day, ask that special man in your life to take you out. "The only man a girl can truly trust is her daddy" after all, so why not celebrate with the men who truly have your best interest at heart.

6. Celebrate your independence. Think of all the things you couldn't do if you were in a relationship. Take a last-minute trip to visit relatives, a mini-holiday to your nearest bed and breakfast, a cruise or even a simple trip to the spa for a day of pampering.

7. Remember that you don't have to do anything. Valentine's Day is just another day in the week, this one just happens to be surrounded with red, pink and chocolate. Enjoy the candy, the couples kissing on the corners and that never-fail card from mom and move on.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't sit at home smoking cigarettes and drinking wine ala "Bridet Jones's Diary" while you bemoan your loneliness. If you want to stay in, that's fine, but don't pity yourself.
• Avoid teasing your coupled friends. This will just make you look pathetic and immature.
• Do not go on a first date or blind date on Valentine's Day.
• Do not call the ex.