If you are single

expectations are naturally likely to be pretty low

but bear in mind that this is likely to be a rubbish day for people in a relationship

too. Nothing kills spontaneity like having a date pencilled in the diary 12 months in Nothing kills spontaneity like having a date pencilled in the diary 12 months in advance

and even rock-solid partnerships can crack a little under the weight of expectations e 14 February. Try to relax

as this will Try to relax

as this will reduce the risk of Valentine's-induced arguments. It is worth noting that women buy 85 per cent of Valentine's Day cards

so your chances of being It is worth noting that women buy 85 per cent of Valentine's Day cards

so your chances of being surprised with a gem from Clinton are significantly higher if you are a man.

Plan

This is equally important whether you are single or coupled. It isn't just cosy Italian restaurants that like to embrace the Valentine's theme; your local greasy spoon may offer only the " Valentine's Menu". Even hip clubs get in on the act with "Valentine's Balls" - a phrase that conjures up awful visions of school discos.

If you want to avoid these delights

you've got to do your research.

Consider ignoring it

Difficult to do

but worth a try. shop has been steadily filling up with Valentine's gifts for weeks

and supermarket checkouts are infested by chocolate "love bugs". Unless you're a churchgoer

claim to be abstaining on religious grounds - the day is thought to have been named after early Christian martyrs called Valentine - and to have been named after early Christian martyrs called Valentine. Unless you're a churchgoer

claim to be abstaining on religious grounds - the day is thought to have been named after early Christian martyrs called Valentine - and ignore the whole sorry event.

Treat yourself

If you're single

it can be depressing to see your coupled-up friends being showered with gifts and zipping away on mini-breaks. But there's no reason singles should be left out. If you've been dreaming of a volume of love poetry - or even a scarlet number from Ann Summers for a special occasion - just buy them for yourself. If you've been dreaming of a volume of love poetry - or even a scarlet number from Ann Summers for a special occasion - just buy them for yourself.

Don't Expect Too Much

If you're single, naturally, expectations are likely to be very low. But keep in mind that even for people in relationships it's likely to be a meaningless day. Little things can spoil something as natural as a date - after all, this date was marked in the diary 1 year in advance; and under the weight of February 14th expectations, even a rock-solid relationship can show a hint of cracks. Try to relax, as this reduces the risk of a Valentine's Day-induced argument. It's worth noting that 85% of Valentine's Day cards are bought by women, so if you're a man then your chances of being pleasantly surprised by the receipt of a Clinton Precious Gift are much higher.

Planning is important

This is important whether you're single or already in a relationship. You don't have to be cozy to enjoy a Valentine's Day-themed Italian restaurant; your local, inexpensive eateries offer the best "Valentine's Day menus". Even street dance clubs are performing "Valentine's Balls" - a scary visualization of a campus disco. If you want to avoid the fun, you'll just have to figure it out for yourself.

Or just don't do Valentine's Day

It's hard to do but it's worth a try. For a few weeks, every store will be filled with Valentine's Day gifts and "love virus" chocolates will be all over the grocery checkout lines. Unless you're a regular worshipper (there's a ban on alcohol in the religious area - the day is thought to be named after the Christian martyr Valentine), don't bother with this sad affair.

Know how to entertain yourself

Your friends come in pairs surrounded by gifts and then go off for a sweet moment together. If you're single, it's depressing to see these scenes. But that doesn't mean singles are just watching. If you've ever wanted a book of love poems - or even a scarlet dress from Ann Summers - for one of your "special moments" - then buy it for yourself! --then buy it for yourself. (Ann Summers is a British sex store; "special moment" should mean "***"; the scarlet garment should be for a "sexual aid"! --)