You Are Not Alone on Valentine’s Day. Even If It Feels That Way.
Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about love. For a lot of people, it mostly just highlights what feels missing.
There is nothing wrong with being single. But a holiday built entirely around romantic relationships has a way of making the absence of one feel louder than usual. If you are dreading February 14th, you are not alone in that either.
Here are a few ways to take care of yourself on a day that can feel designed to leave you out.
Remember it is just a day
In 24 hours it will be over and you will not have to think about it for another year. Work on releasing the expectation that it needs to be anything in particular. You do not have to have a picture-perfect day. You just have to get through it, and that is enough.
Give yourself permission to distract
Distraction is not avoidance. It is a legitimate way to get through a hard day. Lean into a hobby, start something new on television, read, move your body, spend time with a pet. Valentine’s Day is everywhere right now and it is okay to redirect your attention toward something that actually feels good.
Tell someone you love that you love them
Romantic love is not the only kind that matters. Your friends, your family, the people who show up for you consistently, they are worth celebrating too. Reaching out to someone you care about on a hard day is a reminder that you are not actually alone, even when the holiday makes it feel that way.
Do something just for you
How can you be a little kind to yourself today? Order your favorite meal. Take yourself somewhere you love. Have a slow morning with no agenda. You do not need a partner to have a good day. You just need to decide that you deserve one.
If loneliness or difficult feelings around relationships are something you are navigating beyond just one holiday, our clinicians at Holistic Consultation are here.
Want to learn more or schedule? Book a free 10-minute call with our Intake Coordinator or reach out through our contact page.