The Newly Single Girl's Guide to Being Your Own Damn Valentine

Going through a breakup is never fun, but it's exceptionally awful when it happens close to Valentine's Day. Singles don't complain about the day of love for nothing — if you don't have a sweetheart of your own, stomaching all the mushy-gushy romance in February can be rough. But with the right preparation, spending Valentine's Day without a Valentine doesn't have to be a terrible experience!

Take it from me: I'm approaching my first solo Valentine's Day in eight years, but I'm actually excited to spend a day traditionally reserved for romantic love pampering myself. Based on advice from other single (and happy about it) friends, I've got tons of ideas for how to have a happy, productive Feb. 14 . . . no tears or tubs of cookie dough necessary. Read on for your guide to spending Valentine's Day as a newly single woman.