Not long after the emotional turmoil of dealing with the absence of a New Year’s midnight kiss comes the unavoidable certainty that the year’s most stressful singleton’s holiday is imminently approaching—Valentine’s Day. Read on for handy tips on how to spend the day.

1. Relieve stress
Would you enjoy nothing more than destroying an armload of fictitious Valentine’s cards? Visit Valentinesgames.co.uk, to play games which will satisfy your urges -- if only for a moment.

2. Remind yourself that you aren’t the only single one out there
The webmaster of Westworld.com/~elson/me/columns says he has since found a relationship but keeps these pages online as a “public service.” After reading his “Stories” section about his last good Valentine’s Day (1992!), you will be happy for him - trust me.

3. Pamper yourself
Take a trip to the spa – and not just your usual mani-pedi appointment. We are talking sugar scrub exfoliation, brow shaping, hot rock massage—any procedure in which you would not normally indulge.

4. Have a girls’ movie night in with other single girlfriends
Skip the sappy romances – think girl power like Bend it Like Beckham, Whale Rider or Thelma and Louise.

5. Plan a dinner party for the following weekend
Design the guest list, experiment with recipes and research the wine.

6. Escape
If it is in your budget, plan to be away on vacation. There are many groups that cater to the single traveller. Check out: Matchtravel.com, Womentraveltips.com/tips7.shtml, or Osolomio.com. Who cares if it’s Valentine’s Day? You will be sipping a margarita poolside.

7. Do something nice for someone else
Call a grandparent, buy a coffee for the person in line behind you, sort donations at a shelter or give blood. The opportunities for random acts of kindness are endless.

8. Be the loud table
Reserve your table early and go out to dinner. Be the boisterous fun table that the servers love—more people equals more fun and, potentially, a bigger tip, so you will get exceptional service.

9. Arrange a group outing
Like going to see a play, ballet or musical.

10. Get out there
Visit Hurrydate.com to see where the next speed dating party is being held in your area or visit an online dating site like Match.com to meet someone virtually.

Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers—lovers of life, of free spirits, of fun. Plan to make this year’s the best yet!