Valentine’s Day seems to bring up a range of emotions in singles and couples alike—whether it’s anger over the commercialized nature of the holiday, fear of a shrinking wallet in an attempt to live up to a date’s expectations, sadness over a lost relationship, or dread over spending the day alone, being pitied by your married friends.

Instead of hiding under your covers in terrified anticipation of this made-up holiday, execute your own memorable day of love.

1. Pamper yourself: Spare no expense because you are indeed worth it. Send flowers to yourself at the office. Go all-out with a mani/pedi spa day. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant. Buy expensive chocolates and don’t share!

2. Throw a party: Whether it’s an Anti-Valentine’s Day party at your place, dressing to the nines for a singles mixer, or hosting an all-girl pajama party complete with every chick flick on Netflix, gather your favorite single people and take back the holiday!

3. Be anywhere but here: Road trip with a friend or book a singles cruise solo; just get the heck out of town so you don’t have to see your coupled coworkers receiving flowers all day long.

4. Date yourself: Have an at-home date with your sweatpants and celebrity crush! Grab the popcorn and wine, turn off your phone, and binge on every movie your favorite actor has ever appeared in.

5. Rediscover your passion: What is it that makes you feel most alive? No excuses—go do it! Break out the hobby you’ve been neglecting, complete that Pinterest project, start the book you’ve been meaning to get to, or try something completely new! Re-evaluate your goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces so you know what you need to do each day to move forward.

6. Be Zen: Realize that your identity does depend on your relationship status. If you’re recently single, or have experienced loss in a relationship, allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay to cry; but don’t allow yourself to become bitter or snarky toward people who love Valentine’s Day. Find compassion for those friends who pity you and your current status—they mean well.

7. Be unselfish: Stop pouting. Get outside of your own sadness and turn your attention to loving on someone else. Organize a Secret Cupid with your office or single friends—be each other’s Secret Admirers. Is Grandma a widow? A call from you might cheer her up. Do you have married friends with kids? Volunteer to watch their little ones so they can have an evening to themselves.

Bonus Tip: “Table for one?” Steer clear of restaurants where couples will be gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. Also avoid grocery stores with their Valentine’s Day paraphernalia littering every checkout stand.

When the day arrives, remember that Valentine’s Day is just another day; and just like every other day, it is what you make of it. So go make it amazing!

[photo: via flickr]