Whilst you could stay in alone on Valentine’s Day, scoff down a Deliveroo takeaway washed down with a bottle of wine and a tub of Hagen-Dazs, you could instead look on the bright side, focus on the positives and get yourself out. Think about it. You don’t have to buy a cheesy present, pretend to be ecstatic when you receive a cheesy present, or sit in a restaurant being served mass-produced, overpriced food. Okay, so let’s not get too bitter about being single hey? Here are a few tips on how to survive Valentine’s Day as a singleton in Leeds.

Ditch or Date at Crowd of Favours

Supercool and laidback bar, Crowd of Favours (located just off Kirkgate) are hosting a Ditch or Date event on Wednesday 10^th February from 8pm. The concept here is simple. Girls remain seated at tables throughout the evening, whilst the guys rotate round the room every four minutes for a chat. The night runs until 10pm, with a 20 minute bar break in the middle, giving you a chance to make a beeline for any hot options. Bring a friend and see if Cupid draws his bow and arrow. Tickets are just £12 per head; get them here. <iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2356.6345662431345!2d-1.5365612026381952!3d53.7959913332378!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x48795c175e1ccc3f%3A0x16714ee8490adb2b!2sCrowd+of+Favours!5e0!3m2!1sen!2suk!4v1454513119816" width="750" height="245" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Dinner date with your bestie

They say if you can’t beat them, then join them; so why not book a dinner date with your bestie? You can avoid restaurants offering typical Valentine’s fodder, and instead head somewhere less romantic. Smoke Barbecue is the place to go for meat lovers who like to get their hands dirty; book for Valentine’s Day and you’ll receive a free bottle of Prosecco. If it’s burgers you’re looking for, then Almost Famous never fail to disappoint.

Laugh it off with Derek or Deadpool

Laughter is a great remedy to many ailments, and thankfully for you, there’s some great films out this February to make you smile. Zoolander 2 sees Derek sashaying back on to the silver screen once again, 15 years after the cult classic original. Book online at VUE and you can bag yourself a selfie stick and pull off your own version of blue steel. On the 12^th February, Ryan Reynolds is back as Deadpool, which is Marvel’s funniest film to date, packing in action, laughs and eye-candy in equal measure. Watch it at Everyman and get comfy with your mates with your own sofa and cushions.

Retail therapy

Much like laughter, shopping can cure a multitude of problems, and what place better to shop than Leeds? As well as Harvey Nicks, Mango and all the usual stores, the city is brimming with awesome independents. Budding artists should get themselves to Art Official, who stock the hippest supplies in a superbly creative environment, whilst those that just like appreciate art should head to On the Wall for one of their awesome posters. Established in 1971, Jumbo Records is a Leeds institution and hasn’t let the digital boom slow it down; head down for some classic or current vinyl, as well as CD’s and gig tickets. If you’re after some threads a little different to the norm, then check out the Corn Exchange, and in particular, Alice Found Treasure. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of vintage clothing, as well as accessories and homeware.