It’s that time of year again– the world has become a mushy romance novel. Everywhere you turn, couples are giving each other cheap chocolate heart boxes, balloons and mammoth sized teddy bears.

But what happens if you don’t have a date this Valentine’s day? Not to worry my friend, I have some tips to help you through this Valentine’s day alone.

Tip 1: Be your own Bae

You’re a strong independent person who doesn’t need a date this year. Instead, be your own Valentine. Treat yourself to a shopping spree at the mall or take a trip downtown. You deserve it for being single and independent.

Tip 2: Throw a Single’s Party

If you don’t want to be alone this Feb. 14, then spend it with the people who really love you- your squad.

Throw a “singles only” party and do whatever you and your friends want. Play Beyonce and dance it out with your girlfriends, play Minecraft with your boys and stay up all night, or have a movie marathon on Netflix (unless your friends are all taken, then just move on to my third tip).

 Tip 3: Think of the Positives

There’s nothing better than being single on Valentine’s day. Think about it; you’re saving your money and your time by staying home. No need to stress over reservations or how you’re going to strap a 6-foot stuffed teddy bear on your car.

But if nothing else, Valentine’s day was originally a holiday about a priest named Saint Valentine. He was imprisoned for performing marriage ceremonies for soldiers who were forbidden to marry.

We turned that into an excuse to buy fake flowers and send paper cards. So be proud you’re not falling for the commercialized trap all couples fall into every year.

Tip 4: Be Proactive

It’s always good to be proactive. But it’s even more important to be proactive when Valentine’s Day makes you want to curl up in a ball and watch The Notebook, wishing Ryan Gosling would sweep you off your feet. 

Do something! Anything! Cook, clean, working on your novel, help your mother with the dishes, follow York-hi on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat– just be sure not to become a hot mess on the couch. Besides, when you’re proactive, you won’t have the time to be depressed!

Besides, when you’re proactive, you won’t have the time to be depressed!

Tip 5: Pig Out

Last but definitely not least, don’t forget about Feb. 15, when all chocolate that couples didn’t get is now on sale! So if you did want to pig out, now’s the day to do so with no shame.

If you can’t have or don’t like chocolate, don’t let that stop you from enjoying your cheat day. Have some cake, pie, ice-cream brownies, cannolis, cookies, chocolate covered anything. Celebrate the fact that you just survived another Valentine’s Day as free as a bird.