Whether you just broke up with your significant other two days ago or you've been in a dating slump for longer than you care to think about, don't let the dreaded card-company holiday of Valentine's Day make you depressed. While you're munching on that piece of chocolate and sighing to that romantic comedy on your couch, here are three ways to share the love with the people that really matter most:

Idea #1: Throw a party.

It doesn't have to be a party where everyone comes in red-inspired outfits or brings heart-shaped things that make you feel more alone. Brittany Ditto (senior-crime, law and justice) plans to throw a singles party and have a bunch of her friends over.

"I live in a three-story apartment building, and all of the apartments plan to have a party," she said.

While she was unsure of the specific party theme, she said the party was really for everyone.

"We're calling it a singles party, but we're not going to throw people out at the door if they're dating someone," she said.

Mike Sulkes (senior-marketing) has also attended a singles party. However, the invite policy for his party was more strict.

"You weren't allowed to come if you were dating someone," he said.

Idea #2: Make something.

Instead of perusing Hallmark for that special card to give to a friend, or scouting out downtown for the cheapest baked goods and chocolate to drown your sorrows, save your money for more important things and create the love yourself.

Jackie Generotti (sophomore-mechanical engineering) said she has a tradition of making Valentine's Day cards for her friends. The act brings her back to her childhood, she said.

"I always buy Valentines from Wal-Mart for all my friends," she said. "Then everyone gets a Valentine even if they don't have someone."

While Sarah Roberts (senior-biology) said Valentine's Day was just a normal night for her, she does do one special thing for her friends.

"I bake Valentine's Day cookies and make a personalized one for everyone," she said.

Idea #3: Spend quality

time with your roommates.

It might sound cheesy, but many students enjoy baking dinner, going out, or watching movies with friends.

Lisa O'Donnell (junior-economics) said it's a tradition to spend time with her roommates on Valentine's Day.

"I love Valentine's Day," she said. "It's my favorite holiday. Every year, my roommates and I go to Mario and Luigi's [1272 N. Atherton]."

Kristen Onder (junior-communication sciences and disorders) said she and her roommates also plan to hang out together.

"We're cooking dinner for each other since we're all single," she said. "And then we're going to see The Vagina Monologues."

Other students, like Lisa Rossi (junior-public relations), are planning to watch movies.

"I am watching my favorite movie, Becoming Jane ... with my best friend," she said.

Ayesha Fraser (junior-biobehavorial health) said she would probably watch a Bollywood movie, which is a movie from Indian cinema.

"Every story is a classic love story," she said. "It's really like a musical, too."

Erin Flynn (senior-marketing) also has a relaxed evening planned for the big day.

"I believe in wings, PJs and movies with the roommates," she said.

Whether you're celebrating by yourself or with your friends or significant other, there's no reason Valentine's Day should leave you feeling blue instead of red. With so many simple options such as cooking, eating or simply spending time together on the sofa, make sure to find a way to express your love to those who really count.