How are you planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Ne-Yo: I have plans, but I thank God that she is as understanding as she is, because from the beginning of my career to now, I can’t recall the last time I had a Valentine’s Day off. It’s one of those holidays that I think was designed for me and what it is that I do. There’s always a show or something, and this Valentine’s Day is no exception. I’m definitely going to be working somewhere, but as soon as the show’s over, I’m all hers.

There are some who might protest the holiday after a recent breakup, what do you think is the best way to deal with heartbreak?

Ne-Yo: Give the pain the time it requires. One thing that is absolutely true is that pain demands to be felt. Be sad if it’s something that really hurt your heart, but don’t be a slave to the pain. Give it it’s attention and respect, but then move on to the next thing.

A big issue in love these days seems to be the act of friendzoning. How do you feel someone can avoid being put in the friend zone?

Ne-Yo: The one sure fire way to avoid the friend zone is to be 100% direct with what it is that you want. If you’re interested in this person, you need to man up, and let it be known that you’re interested in ways that run deeper than just friendship. You got to take a chance, because there’s a 50% chance that it will work, and 50% that it won’t. The odds are in your favor in one way, but it’s not going to go the way you want if you’re not direct.