There is so much emphasis on love and marriage leading up to Valentine's Day and on the day itself. There are adverts everywhere and shops are full of gifts, treats and cards for this occasion.
But maybe as you are a single person you really don't buy into this sentiment. So how can you survive and keep your sanity? There are so many ways to make sure you enjoy yourself whether on your own or with a good friend.
You may be feeling that you have nobody to rely on but yourself, so really look after yourself. And on this special day my suggestion is to turn the focus of your attention to you. Buy yourself something special, something you really will love. Maybe treat yourself to a day being pampered at the spa, or treat yourself to a special meal and enjoy it at home. You don't have to cook it yourself, order it by phone and have it delivered to your door. Use your favourite crockery, buy a bottle of wine and just enjoy being you, the lovely you that you know you are.
Maybe you could get a few of the worst romantic comedy films you can find and invite some of your girlfriends over to watch them with you and make fun of all those dreadful films. Have a fun evening with people you love and be yourself. Have fun with people you love to be with.
If you have children, maybe make the day special for them, as well as you. Buy them some little gifts - perhaps chocolate, stuffed toys, model cars etc. You could make a present hunt with clues so they have fun trying to find the little gifts. Perhaps a trip to a museum or the cinema. Whatever it is you choose make sure it is fun.
Another way to look at Valentine's Day is to make some new resolutions, as most New Year's resolutions were made six weeks ago. Make a Valentine's Day resolution to love yourself, resolve to take some evening classes, resolve to go on that trip you have always promised yourself, make a start towards the dreams you know you want to achieve. Resolve to try new restaurants or to try out new recipes.
Resolve to date yourself, plan life around yourself and enjoy loving yourself. This will not only be fun and interesting but loving yourself is the basis of being the confident you.
In the short-term be prepared for personal questions from friends and co-workers about your plans for your Valentine's Day alone. Have an answer even if it is 'no comment'.
•Don't get dressed up as that invites questions.
•Avoid TV programmes filled with love stories.
•Don't find a stranger to spend the evening with, you will regret it in the morning and make the next Valentine's Day even harder to get through.
•Remember it is just one day, you have been through worse. Shut your door, eat what you want, read a good book, watch your favourite film, it will all be over in the morning.
If you would like, you could wait until February 15th and buy yourself a heart-shaped box of chocolates at half the price. Buy yourself some flowers at half price.
Whatever you do, don't sit at home being miserable and sorry for yourself because you don't have a date for this silly day.
If you do sit at home and feel sorry yourself don't beat yourself up about it. Anyone who has been single or is single has been there and had times like these. It is never easy.
Learn from your experiences so that your relationship is stronger with yourself and future Valentine's Days are even more enjoyable.