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

I'm a strong believer that social media is toxic when you're going through a breakup. Not only does it allow you to creep on your ex, but it also shows off everybody else's "highlight reel." Do yourself a favor and put down your phone for the day — you'll feel a heck of a lot better not scrolling through Instagrams of expensive gifts, romantic gestures, and sappy professions of love.

Though sometimes it feels like it, you're not the only single lady out there. Take a page out of Leslie Knope's book and arrange a Galentine's Day get-together with some of the ladies in your life! Whether you meet on Feb. 13 to accomodate those with Valentine's dates or choose to bask in being romantically untethered on the actual holiday, you won't regret taking time to celebrate your favorite friendships.

There are plenty of other people who need love on Valentine's Day. Drop off some flowers or makeup at a battered women's shelter, read books to the elderly at your local convalescent home, or (if you're able) adopt a new best friend from an animal shelter. Just because it's not romantic doesn't mean you can't share the love!

Who says that flowers have to come from a romantic partner? Skip those expensive red roses and go pick out some beautiful blooms for yourself!

Have you always thought about taking a trapeze fitness class or painting your own pottery? Feb. 14 is the day to do it! While everyone else is focused on dinner dates and "romantic" activities, you can enjoy near-empty gyms, classes, and shops. Why not use the alone time to cross something off your bucket list?

Valentine's Day might seem like a time to hunker down and play hermit — eek, look at all those happy couples! — but it's important to feel happy and confident in your newly single state. Take a walk, grab a coffee, and do some people-watching . . . you might realize that not everybody is as blissfully happy on Valentine's Day as you thought.

Valentine's Day with a significant other is all about spoiling them . . . but when you're your own valentine, you get to spoil yourself! Draw that bubble bath, slap on a face mask, light some candles, and relax. You love yourself, so why not show it?

Being your own valentine means loving yourself! Write out a list of things you like about you. It might seem silly at first, but this sort of self-affirmation is exactly the type of thing that you should do while single and learning to live alone. The list might be filled with silly traits like "I make a mean bowl of spaghetti" or deeper ones such as respecting your own strength and independence — either way, it's empowering to spell out all of the things that make you worth loving.

Take the money you would've used on V-Day gifts for your ex and have a "treat yourself" moment. Buy that jacket you've been eyeing, the tempting chocolate on display, or those earrings you've coveted for ages.

Even if your day doesn't go as wonderfully as planned, remember that Valentine's Day is only 24 hours. Being alone isn't always easy, and there's nothing wrong with feeling bummed out! If the previous ideas don't sound appealing to you, listen to your own needs — maybe spending Feb. 14 inside watching Gilmore Girls is the perfect activity. You do you!