If you are blissfully happy in a committed relationship, Valentine’s Day is just peachy. It’s a day when your already attentive lover is basically mandated to shower you with affection (and gifts if you’re lucky). But for most people, particularly single people, this holiday is a nuisance at best ‘ and a miserable, detrimental, emotionally-damaging obstacle, at worst.

But take heed, bitterness toward a mere holiday shouldn’t be celebrated on the couch eating a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. If you’re one of the many people who are already stressfully conscious of being alone on Cupid’s Day, here are some things to avoid:

1. No matter how depressing this day may feel, calling your ex is a huge mistake. It doesn’t matter if he or she has a person significant other or not. This act of desperation may backfire, especially if hostile feelings are still lingering in the air. In addition, this all may seem foolish on Feb. 15, when everyone has forgotten the previous night and people have concerned themselves with Easter.

2. If you want to do something romantic or surprising for a crush, a friend or a potential boy/girl friend, make sure that this person doesn’t already have a Valentine. This may cause major embarrassment and some heartache. However, this may turn out to be a good idea if the other person is single and looking.

3. It’s best to go out with friends, as a group, and have fun. This is good for anyone who doesn’t have a Valentine or just doesn’t want to submit to the demands of another ‘Hallmark holiday.’ It wouldn’t be advisable to hang around any couples who might try to ‘third wheel’ you out of pity or misguided charity. You may even want to throw a get-together at your place with some friends and just hang out.

4. Staying home alone and wondering why the night seems lonely shouldn’t be an option. Junk food and chick flicks with a ‘happily ever after’ ending will only make things look worse ‘ and we assure you they will be all over the TV. A Hollywood ending isn’t reality, so go out and give the night a college ending. Maybe you’ll even hook up with one of the many singles looking for love.

5. Heading out to Oakdale Mall for the day and wiping out your bank account isn’t the answer either. You aren’t Kelly and Donna and this is 13905 (not 90210). Put your credit card away when you feel depressed, because there’s nothing more depressing than calling home the fourth week of the semester to beg your parents for food money.

For all those who are worried that they haven’t found ‘prince charming’or ‘Britney Spears pre-babies-and-indecent-exposure,’ remember that love isn’t limited to one day of the year. Go out, have fun and enjoy the fact you don’t have to buy a generic Valentine’s Day card with a diapered baby on the front.