I walked into Target the day after Christmas and my heart dropped. Gone were the candy cane- and ornament-covered aisles. Christmas cheer was nowhere to be found. What stood before me was every single girl’s worst nightmare -- the Valentine’s Day section.

Heart-shaped boxes filled aisle after aisle. Giant stuffed animals decked out in pink and red assaulted my eyes. Once again, my least favorite time of year was upon us.

And while Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of my independence -- that sounds better than "forever alone," right? -- I’ve come to terms with the fact that it doesn’t have to be a day filled with sadness.

If you’re single this Valentine’s, I’m here to give you -- and myself -- some advice. Put down the box of chocolate. Stop crying. And don’t you dare put on that sappy Nicholas Sparks movie you’re thinking about pulling off the shelf.

Valentine’s Day is a day about love, but there is so much more love to celebrate than just the romantic kind. Take this day to celebrate your platonic friendships. Tell your mom you love her. In lieu of a rom-com and a carton of your favorite Ben and Jerry’s, do something for yourself -- because you are worth it.

If you don’t believe me, here’s a how-to guide for staying sane on this wretched holiday.

Step 1: Don’t stalk your ex. Don’t stalk him on Facebook. Or Twitter. Or Instagram. And, for the sake of your pride, don’t text him. You broke up for a reason; let’s keep it that way.

Step 2: Shy away from clear liquids -- except for water. We all know how many snaps you’ll send to that boy you met last weekend if a bottle of Bacardi is involved.

Step 3: Just stay away from Snapchat altogether. You -- and your friends -- will thank me tomorrow.

Step 4: Imagine your life with Liam Hemsworth. Your wedding will be beautiful; and you deserve him more than Miley, anyway.

Step 5: Order chips and queso. Liam Hemsworth may not have been enough -- likely because he was a figment of your imagination, but I digress -- but you can always turn to food. Queso will never let you down.

Step 6: Gather your single girl friends and go see a comedy. Sappy romances are cute and all, but sore abs from laughing are much better than puffy eyes -- and you’ll get in an extra workout.

Step 7: Hit the gym. You’ll feel better tomorrow -- much better than the girl who spent her evening eating a giant box of chocolate from her boyfriend and a dinner for two at P.F. Chang's.

Step 8: Avoid self-deprecating posts to Instagram. Your selfie with a bottle of wine and the #ForeverAlone hashtag is not as humorous to your followers as it is to you -- unfortunately, all of those likes are just their pity.

Step 9: Post fun e-cards to your friend's Facebook walls. Because it's definitely still 2012 and nothing says "I love you" more than a "Mean Girls" meme.

Step 10: Have a dance party. Make a Spotify playlist of empowering songs -- mostly Beyoncé -- and just break it down in your apartment with your roommates.

Step 11: Order Chinese takeout. You’re no different than the relationship girl at P.F. Chang’s, except you get to eat yours in your yoga pants.

Step 12: Cuddle up on your couch at 11 p.m. and promptly pass out. When you wake up on Feb. 15, you’ll be happy your walk of shame is only the distance from your couch to your bed.