The sweet mix of love and bitterness is in the air, which means Valentine’s Day is upon us. At this point, all of your social media sites are being flooded either with gushy love posts or funny, but kind of pathetic, memes about “Singles Awareness Day.”  After scrolling through the various outlooks about Valentine’s Day that my friends have posted online, I decided the true meaning of this holiday has been completely skewed. So here are some Cupid-approved do’s and dont’s for the big day.

Are you single and ready to mingle?

Do: Go out on Valentine’s Day.

There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of this holiday. If you’re single, go to a party and meet people or have dinner with friends. Many people get caught up in thinking that Valentine’s Day is only for couples. It’s not, so have fun with it.

Don’t: Exaggerate the first “do.”

There’s a fine line between having fun and drinking until you forget you’re single.

“More pregnancy tests are sold in March than in any other month,” Sophie Blystone of Richmond.com wrote. Don’t let that be you. Chances are your soulmate isn’t at the bottom of that bottle, but your baby daddy or mama could be, so please be cautious.

Do: Give love to your family and friends.

It’s okay if your dad and mom still send you chocolates and heart-shaped cards. Send some love back their way. Tell your friends how great they are and how thankful you are to have them in your life. Valentine’s Day is about showing love. Love isn’t exclusive to relationships.

Don’t: Buy yourself flowers.

Blystone also wrote that 15 percent of U.S. women send flowers to themselves on Valentine’s Day.

Unless you’re trying to brighten up your home with floral accents, refer to the “do’s” above. Don’t wallow; instead give love and have fun.

Are you young and in love?

Do: Celebrate by making memories.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Spend some time away from campus. Go to that cool restaurant Downtown, hike to a beautiful San Diego view or go to a drive-in movie. Think more about quality time rather than gift giving.

Don’t: Buy impersonal, traditional gifts.

Stick to gifts from the heart and ones that create memories. It’s not about how much money you spend, it’s about showing someone you care.

Americans spend $448 million on candy leading up to the holiday. Men spend an average of $150 for gifts and women $74, according to History.com.

Skip the candy, flowers and jewelry. If you insist on buying your significant other a present, buy something thoughtful and personal, such as online photo book that can be shipped to your house with your best couple pictures.

Do: Remember the other 364 days of the year.

The true meaning of this holiday is great, but I think it has been significantly transformed into something materialistic. Although, the point is to show people you love them, remember every day is a good day to shower loved ones with affection, not just Feb. 14.

Don’t: Forget all the other people you love.

Some people feel left out on Valentine’s Day including your single friends, so show them some love too–they’ll appreciate it.

Advice for people with labels such as single, taken, it’s complicated or bed buddies

Don’t: Go crazy on social media.

Not many people want to read a a recap of your entire relationship on Facebook. Most people don’t appreciate the “Honey Boo Boo’s mom has a boyfriend and you don’t” memes on Instagram. The secret Twitter riddles regarding your hopes for the outcome of your “complicated” friendship are just confusing–don’t expect many retweets on that one.

Do: Have a positive attitude.

Valentine’s Day is going to be what you make it. Maybe you can’t choose your relationship status, but you can choose your attitude, which will dictate the outcome of your day. Easy.

Don’t: Stress or feel pressured.

Despite what Hallmark wants you to believe, you have the freedom to make Valentine’s Day as significant or meaningless as you want it to be. You don’t have to celebrate or make a big deal out of the day. Instead, you can change the rules and make your own traditions.

 Do: Have a great day.

No matter what your relationship status is, have an excellent Valentine’s Day, everyone.

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock