Welcome to the shortest month of the year, which is also the most emotional time for lovers and lonelies.

Whether your Valentine’s plans include a romantic dinner for two, saying those special three words of “I love you,” or you’d rather stay home with the covers over your head, I have good news for you. There are over 96 million singles in the United States, so you’re not alone if you find yourself single on February 14th.

To help singles find a way to meet and mingle in Los Angeles, here are my top 5 favorite fun and flirty picks to schedule on your calendar. Some may sell out, so don’t wait, initiate. Sign up for one or all of these events and expand your social network. If love happens to find you, it’s the bonus that was worth the effort.

1. Take Back Valentine's Day -- Pink Taco, Century City. This SingularCity.com soiree on Sunday, February 13th will be packed with savvy singulars getting their groove on as they raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Includes complimentary Absolut Cupid Cocktails and appetizers. For tickets, visit SIngularCity.com.

2. Singles Wine and Mingle -- Rosenthal Wineries, Malibu. Join single Angelenos for a day of wine tasting on February 12th at the exclusive Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Vineyards. This Valentine's Day, come celebrate with a tour of the beautiful vineyards followed by a day of wine pairing with fine cheeses & gourmet chocolates. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at wineandmingle.Eventbrite.com.

3. Valentine's Dinner Dance Party -- Hilton Hotel, Woodland Hills. Join No Waiting Dating and LA Singles Society on February 12th for their dinner dance party with the live band Sidetracks. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at LASinglesSociety.com.

4. Hot Valentine's Cocktail Mixer and Dance Party -- V Lounge, Santa Monica. Join Rapid Dating for a fun evening including a Secret Men's Panel on Sunday, February 13th. Tickets are $25 in advance and $45 at the door. Visit RapidDating.com.

5. Unlock the Night Party -- Boulevard 3, Hollywood. VIP Social Events invites singles aged 24-46 on February 12th for a fun night at this trendy locale in Hollywood. Women get the locks and the men get keys and the flirting begins. As soon as you check in and get your first key or lock, venture out to look for a match. Stay afterwards for dancing in Hollywood. Tickets are $24-$35. Prices go up after February 5th. VIPSocialEvents.com

With 5 fabulous events to consider as singles in Los Angeles on February 12th and 13th, it's more than likely than not that you won't be alone on February 14th.

Julie Spira is a dating and relationship expert. She's the author of the bestseller The Perils of Cyber-Dating: Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic Looking for Love Online. Visit her at CyberDatingExpert.com where you can sign up for the Weekly Flirt. Follow Julie on Twitter @JulieSpira and like her on Facebook.com/cyberdatingexpert.