Tips to survive Valentine’s Day after divorce
There are some dates in the calendar that are powerful reminders of the fact that someone special is missing from your life. Valentine’s Day is one of those days that can create an immense amount of painful, often conflicting emotions. But what if that someone special is no longer in your life to share the special day with?
We know that it is ‘just another day’, we know that ‘we should just get on with it’, but the thought of Valentine’s Day may hurt your already broken and aching heart and emotionally can leave you feeling overwhelmed.
We seem to have it thrust upon us as the day looms ever closer - cards in the shops, overpriced flowers in the Florist and countless images, particularly on Social Media of love and dinner dates.
All of which act as painful reminders that you are now alone, a reminder of the love you no longer have in your life and that your dreams of what you had planned for this Valentine’s Day are just not going to happen, leaving you feeling lonely, sad and thinking about the romantic memories of the relationship you shared, the ‘what ifs’ and the regrets.
Changing your mindset about the day and turning it into a day where you honour yourself will make it a day to remember, not to dread.
Here are some tips to survive Valentine’s Day after divorce:
Use the day to thrive, feel empowered and to treat yourself well.
Show yourself some love. Who said you can’t buy yourself flowers or chocolates?
Allow yourself some time to do something you enjoy or something you have always wanted to do.
Meet with a friend, go for a walk, take some exercise
Stay off Social Media - not everything is what it might look like
Write a list of what you are grateful for in your life
View the breakup from a positive perspective
Be proactive - find support
Remember that Valentine's Day can still be a special day even if it looks different than it did before. Be sure to take some time to appreciate the people and things in your life that make it special and take solace in knowing that you are not alone. With some effort and an open mind, Valentine’s Day can be a day that brings joy and gratitude to your life.
About Jill
Jill Attree is a Advanced Grief Recovery Method Specialist, based in Dorset. Jill has helped grievers throughout the UK by listening without judgement, analysis or criticism - so that you can move forward through your loss. To help you create a brighter tomorrow. Find out more about Jill.