Dealing With Valentine’s Day When You Hate Valentine’s Day

A formerly single girlfriend of mine was notorious for hating Valentine’s Day. For her, it was a saccharine reminder of her “failure to convince a guy that she was good enough to date.” Her words, not mine.

I get it. Despite being married for the past 1000 years (just kidding – I love you, Ryan), I can see how this Day of Love can be a tough pill to swallow if you’re struggling a bit. It doesn’t help too that the day – like so many other special days – has been commercialized to death.

When you are struggling with being single, depressed or have experienced the loss of a loved one, seeing the ubiquitous V-Day ads everywhere can be heartwrenching.

So, if you have been struggling with life a little, here are some tips to navigate the love-filled waters during Valentine’s Day.

You’re Not Enjoying Single Life

Valentine’s Day can dredge up painful memories if you were recently in a relationship and struggling with the adjustment of becoming single. It doesn’t help to scroll through your fave feeds and see everyone OD’ing on lovely dovey romance.

Try to change your view from negative to positive. Valentine’s Day is about love after all, so take the time to love yourself.

Indulge in a fun activity or a little retail therapy. Grab your other single friends and have a fun Galentine outing. It’s natural to feel a little alone or sad right about now, but remember, love starts with thyself.

You Have Recently Lost A Loved One

This one hits home for me. My father-in-law passed away last November and my heart breaks for my family, especially my sweet-as-pie mother-in-law. They were so in love, and definitely best friends….I couldn’t imagine the heartbreak.

Surround yourself with your favourite people on Valentine’s Day and take the time to honour the loved one you lost. It helps to talk about how you feel and express those emotions with those you trust.

It may seem counter-intuitive or even painful, but if there was an activity that you liked doing with your loved one such as enjoying a favourite dinner or watching a movie you both enjoyed, try doing that on Valentine’s Day and make it a tradition.

Dealing With Depression

It’s sort of hard to care about cinnamon hearts and Cupid when suffering through depression. Just getting out of bed can be a feat in itself.

Treat yourself with love on February 14th and indulge if you feel up to it! A great meal, a good book, snuggling up to your pet and just enjoying that warmth…sounds like a great way for anyone to spend Valentine’s Day.

Alternatively, ignore the holiday but still take the time to pamper yourself or better yet, indulge in a little random act of kindness of your choice.

Remember, if you are feeling hopeless or worse, seek some help. Get in touch with a great friend or family member that you trust, or reach out to a doctor or hotline specializing in depression or anxiety.

Happy Valentine’s Day to each and every one of you! Wishing you much love!