If you've suffered a recent break-up, Valentine's Day was just a painful reminder for you. For the broken-hearted, it doesn’t take long for fear to swiftly follow the heartbreak. The disruption, destruction and devastation of breaking up is frightening. With your world flipped upside-down, the scary question asked is, “what now?”

Letting fear run your recovery can influence some pretty poor decision making like reckless behavior, poor serial dating or diving right into another relationship — rebounds for the win! — without clear headedness.

To start overcoming the initial aftershock of a breakup, rationalize your fears and use the tips below as your manual to successful single-hood.

Single Spinster Stigma

It’s true. Being single can be seen as failure, and single people face prejudice because of it. Bella DePaulo, a former Harvard-trained social scientist, shares that "singlism" exists — and it’s “stereotyping, stigmatizing and discrimination of people who are not married… a result of cultural insecurities.” Inferiority isn't check marking the box “single.” So stand out by not giving in to social expectations by creating a positive sense of self. Overcoming "singlism" rests in your state of mind and confidence.

Forever Alone

Thoughts of being alone can cause a gal to break out into a cold sweat. As the obsession grows, so does the anxiety. Writer and New Yorker, Maria Del Russo knows that kind of fear. And when it comes down to it, life, as is, has to be okay, because it’s yours. For Maria, the best way to get over her fears is to get comfortable with them. Relinquish control and go with the flow. Plus, Maria mentions that in a recent survey of 51,000 participants, older non-married women were just as happy as married women. The fate of the single status doesn't have to mean forever doom.

The Loneliness Struggle

Loneliness for those in solo-hood is a reality. It ebbs and flows, but exists. And when breakup wounds are fresh, loneliness can hit like a typhoon. Think of this time as not a loss, but as a surplus of selfish “me time” to learn how to share your life with you. Life can be a positive and empowering experience when you go on an adventure, learn yoga, take time to cook or simply grab a latte by yourself. Also, don't discount the love you have with friends and family. You may be lonely at times, but you’re truly not alone.