Posted on Wednesday, 13th February 2019
Valentine’s Day. Some people love it, others hate it, some are indifferent.
It is estimated that 25 million cards are sent in the name of Valentine’s Day every year in the UK. While a first glance at these figures can make us despair at how commercial it is, I stopped and thought of it another way. I imagined all these cards travelling over the country; through the postal system, being exchanged in person or through the internet via an e-card. All these cards are filled with words of appreciation and love. And not just romantic love. Plenty of friends and family members exchange Valentine’s cards. With all the daily obstacles we face in life, this is a positive thought.
If you are not looking forward to Valentine’s day for whatever reason, read on for some of my thoughts on the matter.
Look Deeper
What are these feelings about Valentines Day telling you? Is it that you would like to be in a relationship but you’re not? Are you in a relationship and there are things you need to address? Do you feel that your friends are prioritising their partners over you? If we can really get to the bottom of why we are feeling like we are, then we can try and take action.
Don’t Compare
Comparison is the thief of joy. You never know what’s going on behind closed doors. One instagram photo of a couple on Valentine’s Day can never provide you with the whole story. Some people decide to completely avoid social media on Valentines Day. If this works for you then great. But once again, it may help to look a little deeper.
Focus On Other Relationships
‘Put romance in your friendships and friendship in your relationship’. Whether or not you are in a relationship, consider spending Valentine’s Day with a friend. Especially if you know someone who finds the day particularly difficult. Valentine’s Day can simply be a celebration of love; all love.
Your Love Life is Not Your Whole Life
Summed up very well by Marianne Power during our Q&A, romantic relationships are just one part of your life. Life can be rich and full of love, without a romantic partner.
Practice Gratitude
This is a useful daily practice, not just on Valentine’s Day. Spend some time thinking of three things you are grateful for in your life each day. By regularly doing this we can really appreciate everything we do have, rather than focusing on what we don’t.
Finally, in some cultures, Valentines Day actually signals the end of winter and the start of spring- which is surely something for everyone to celebrate!
If you would like to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, why not get in touch.