Love it or loathe it, there's no getting away from it. Shop windows filled with hearts and teddies no sooner than the Christmas decorations were taken down.

Whether single, loved-up or somewhere in between, February 14 is here again. For the lucky ones it means a day showered with gifts, while the rest of us look on enviously.

For those of you happy in love, Valentine's Day either means a small token gesture which is all you need, and get. Or, happy having found someone and being sickly smug together, you then get to parade his adoration for you in all our single faces.

For those of us Cupid has neglected, having hearts and kisses forced down our throat every time we dare risk the shops, can turn any single girl slightly bitter.

But Cupid could point his arrow my way this year, as I wait hopefully for a card, from a secret admirer, to drop through the letter box.

Where to go
Whether you want to spend Thursday with the special man or woman in your life, looking for him, or with the girls, then Preston has somewhere for everyone this Valentines.

* Roper Hall in Friargate is for everyone. Every Monday and Thursday is Salsa. Classes are from 7 - 10pm and no partner is needed. So grab some friends and head down for just £5. For details log on to www.sizzlingsalsa.com

* The Ship Inn in Fylde Road, has some great offers this Valentine's Day. All main meals are 2-4-1 and all bottled drinks are £2 with selected shots at £1. Girls, if you want somewhere to have fun, then for you, all cocktails are buy one get one free.

* If you're planning on heading into town try Assembly, Corn Exchange, for a singles party. You don't have to be single just use the traffic light sticker system. Just pick the colour that shows your relationship status and then look for the men that are green for go!

* Whether you're single or loved up, head to Yates for a cheap meal in a candle lit atmosphere or Bar Censa, which is opening especially for the occasion, with a love themed evening.

* If you fancy something different spend the night hiding your identity and join in at Café Manyanas masquerade party.

Single… and glad to be
If your stomach is already turning at the sight of hearts and flowers then have a night in. Get the girls around, mix some cocktails and share disaster stories. There is nothing better than realising you aren't the only one to have dated a hairy Henry or 'tiny' Tim.

Single…and not so glad
Statistics show that 85% of cards last year were brought by women. So if the postman passes by your door without a glance in his post bag, don't despair.

While waiting for your card, why not send one. Don't send e-mails or texts. A handwritten message is more personal, even if you're too shy to sign it.

If you want to find Mr Right try one of these ideas:

* Try online dating. Visit www.prestonsingles.co.uk or why not get friends to set friends up. Go on a blind date or hold a singles dinner party.

* Wanting Mr Perfect is fine but it can be a lot of fun working out who is most definitely not Mr Right. Try a speed dating evening. For single students try Source Bar. It may not be love at first sight, but you'll have fun, even if all you get to kiss is a few frogs!

* If you get lucky this Valentine's, don't end up with any unwanted surprises. Not all gifts are welcome, however much fun you had unwrapping him.

* Make sure this Valentine's is one you'll never forget, but for the right reasons... always use a condom!

Couples
Gazing into each others eyes over a candle-lit dinner and roses sent to work could be just what you imagine if you're secretly a romantic.

Many couples think it's a commercial rip-off and it's true the day is an overrated display of affection for couples that have been in love, for longer than cupid can remember.

The day is really for singles. So, if you're blissfully content don't go out. Go back to basics. Take a romantic walk, cook or do something you did when you first met. It will mean more, and who wants to pay three times more for a meal listening to other couples arguing.

Remember ladies that Valentine's Day is not just for women. It's a fact that men don't get much, whereas we have to admit we sometimes expect it all.

While most men would be happy with appreciation for their petrol station flowers being shown in the bedroom and don't want 'I love u' teddies sent to their office, why not show him what he means to you with a little gift.

Leap year
For those cynical ones among us it means no more than an extra day at work. But for romantics who have spent too long waiting for their man to get on one knee, it's a chance to use tradition to pop the question themselves.

So, think about proposing. Unless of course Thursday is your first date, then you might want to hold back until 2012!