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Best Ways To Get Over A Break Up In NYC

By Brooke Sager

Recently single? We've all been there, and we all know that breakups are never easy. But you know what else? There's probably no better place than New York City to be single. Seriously! The Big Apple offers nearly limitless options when it comes to trying new things and treating yourself - whether it's chocolate or a few cocktails.  So dry your eyes, put on some lip gloss, grab your favorite girls (or go solo) and hit the city streets. With our suggestions of fun ways in the metropolitan area to get over a breakup, you'll be thinking, Mike/Ed/John/Chris who? in no time.

Get a Manicure-Pedicure

Fall Nail Polish
(Getty Images)

Who cares that only you and the inside of your UGGs will see your toes for the rest this winter? Few things can brighten your spirits like a simple-mani pedi, and cleaning up your cuticles will help you put your best polished-foot forward towards your new single life. Believe it or not, getting your nails done in New York doesn't have to break the bank. A number of salons around the city offer manicure-pedicure deals for super-cheap.

Our Picks For The Best Mani-Pedi Deals In NYC

Make it a Spa Day


Take a full day to forget about him and to pamper yourself. Relax at the Tribeca Beauty Spa where an hour-long Swedish massage is $105. They also offer a 75-minute Signature Facial for $135, but for just a little more you can get all the works done—the Basics Package is a facial, 30-minute Swedish Massage, a manicure and pedicure for only $195.

Tribeca Beauty Spa
8 Harrison Street
New York, NY
(212) 343-2376
tribecabeautyspa.com

They call Juvenex 'The Jewel of New York Spas.' Ironically, this 24/7 spa is decked with Asian-meets-European décor that will make you feel like you're far, far away from the Big Apple. (Which may not be a bad thing if your ex lives down the street from you in The Village.) Distress and rejuvenate with the city's only Jade Journey—this involves a jade igloo sauna, a diamond herbal steam sauna, a cold rainforest shower and finishing up with a bath in a Japanese style soaking tub.

We suggest booking your treatments between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the spa is open to ladies only. No newly single girl wants to be present once the doors open for those rose pedal couple baths.

Juvenex
25 West 32nd Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10001
(646) 733- 1330
juvenexspa.com

Girls' Night Out on the Town

A night out in the city with your girls makes for a wonderful distraction from the jerk that dumped you via text message, BBM or skype. Your venue of choice, however, is crucial to keeping your morale high. Skip the sports bars—in the beginning, keeping testosterone levels low in your party circle is best. Instead, when picking your late-night locale, scope out bars that have ladies nights, delicious drink specials and a ton of dancing. We picked our favorite NYC haunts that fit the bill.

Best NYC 'Girls Night Out' Bars

Best Places To Go Dancing In NYC

Best Ladies Night Bars In NYC

Kickboxing


Sweat it out! Some high-energy kicking and punching makes for a great pick-me-up when you've been feeling down. (Especially if you pretend the air in front of you is your ex-boyfriend.) Kickboxing NYC has three locations—Upper West Side, Upper East Side and Midtown—and your first trial kickboxing class is a freebie. You'll burn around 800 calories per session and your energy will definitely come creeping back.

NYC Premier Kickboxing (Upper West Side)
215 West 76th Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 721-2240
kickboxingnyc.net

Shopping

Shopping Bags
Shopping Bags (credit: Getty Images/Clip Art)

A little retail therapy is just what the doctor ordered for a broken heart. And what better place to unleash your inner shopaholic than New York? Every nook of the city has something different to offer.

SoHo is known as being one of the best shopping neighborhoods in NYC. You'll find store after store of clothing boutiques, ranging from avante-garde to adorable. We like Reiss on West Broadway - the UK-based designer offers fabulous looks for not-so-expensive.

387 W Broadway
(between Broome St & Watts St)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 925-5707
Reviews & More Info

If you're looking to do more specialty shopping, Greenwich Village is brimming with antique shops and craft stores. Herald Square is lined with chain stores, like Macy's and H&M, if you want to find a sexy but affordable going-out outfit to wow some new men. Then of course there's the infamous Fifth Avenue—because sometimes, window shopping at Versace, Cartier and Saks does just the trick.

Indulge

It's okay. Comfort food is totally allowed, so go 'head and treat yourself. After a harsh break up, it not uncommon to gravitate towards the freezer, seeking comfort from every girl's two best friends, Ben and Jerry. However, we say put down the Half Baked and make the trip over to Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. If you already miss the way your ex kept you on your toes, Chinatown's flavors will have the same effect. Ever tried Green Tea, Lychee, Peanut Butter and Jelly or Black Sesame ice cream? We didn't think so.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
65 Bayard Street
New York, NY 10013
(212) 608-4170
chinatownicecreamfactory.com
Reviews & More Info

Also See:

NYC's Best Desserts

The Best Chocolate In New York

New York City's Best Frozen Yogurt

Back To CBSNewYork's Valentine's Day Guide

For more on Valentine's Day and all the latest updates on NYC's events and happenings, follow us on Twitter!

Brooke Sager is a New York City-based freelance writer specializing in fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. She writes at HIHEELZ.
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