Breakin' up may be hard to do in the best of circumstances, but calling it quits before Valentine’s Day is in a league of discomfort all its own. Avoiding an awkward situation is key, but as matchmaker extraordinaire Amy Laurent points out -- “breaking up via email, text message or even over the phone shows cowardice and immaturity.” With that in mind, here’s a list of spots that make breaking up right before Valentine’s Day just a wee bit easier (or at least more survivable).

10. Rick’s Cabaret & Steakhouse (Garment District) - Soothe the blow by offering to buy your ex a lap dance. 9. Bagatelle (Meatpacking District) - So loud no one will notice your yelling match. 8. Go see He’s Just Not That Into You - Blame it on the eye-opening film.

7. Shang (Soho) - Should your ex go bizerk, this LES spot is located in the Thompson LES, which extends from Orchard Street to Allen Street (meaning it has two exits) -- so you can excuse yourself and peace out discreetly. 6. Koi (Midtown West) - Break up over cocktails, then head across the street and try your hand at picking up a model at the Bryant Park Fashion Week tents. 5. Dylan’s Candy Bar (Upper East Side) - Even amidst a nauseating amount of heart-shaped candy, nothing helps beat the blues quite like chocolate. 4. China 1 (East Village) - Cheap and tasty -- so it’s all good even if your ex storms out, sticking you with the bill. 3. Kefi (Upper West Side) - Those worried about chickening-out can take shots from the city's only ouzo machine, which cranks-out refreshing liquid courage, before the deed is done. 2. Supper Club - Pass your ex along via the sociable folks at Supper Club who are hosting a dinner where they’re asking each attending member to bring a single whom they deem a potential fit for someone else in attendance. 1. Greenhouse (Soho) - Do the deed, then "accidentally" get lost in the crowd.