How to get through Valentine’s Day after a Breakup

Image courtesy of quotesgiant.com

Hey guys! Happy Valentine’s Day! Given that today is the ‘official’ day of love and all of that, I thought a quick post would be a nice idea.

I’m curious to know - what are your thoughts on Valentine’s Day? Personally I’m in no way ‘anti-Valentine’s’ and I certainly don’t feel the void of it being single. I’ve also never completely bought into it when I have been in a relationship, though ridiculing the cards, roses and cliché element of it hasn’t been a thing for me either. It is a nice opportunity to show your partner you love them, even if it is a bit commercialised. Whatever, it’s about what makes you feel good, even if that does line the pockets of Hallmark and Prezzo with their V Day specials 😉

But I do understand that if you’ve gone through a break-up recently, Valentine’s can be somewhat of a kicker and a reminder of what you don’t have anymore. I was going on a walk this morning as part of dedicating today to a bunch of things that make me feel good, aside from a big smile and hello from an absolute hottie (boom!), I was thinking about how easy it is to only notice the things we don’t have. When you’re in that frame of mind about ruminating over the past and how Valentine’s Day was before the break-up, what you spot in the outside world only seems to highlight what you feel you don’t have now.

Everywhere I went today, couples were brunching, hand in hand, gazing adoringly at each other and so on. Except, this could actually be any Sunday and for all the ones that were loved up, there were just as many couples who clearly, were mighty pi**ed off with each other following one of them getting drunk and inappropriate last night, groups of single girls/guys having coffee or breakfast together and people on their own going about their day not feeling crap about it being Valentine’s Day.

So if you are struggling, it’s about shifting your perception. Yesterday my friend and I swapped cute little gifts for Valentine’s. She’s with someone, I’m single, but it was a chance to show our love for each other and the friendship we have. It was kind of all tongue in cheek but still a genuine way to show each other we care. Afterwards, I spent the day with my dad and I can honestly say it was the best way to spend Valentine’s weekend because my dad is awesome, I love him, we have such a laugh together and all in all, it was a great day.

That said, what I have come to realise is that I would like to be spending Valentine’s Day with someone. No, not in a way that I’m sad about it, but just as a ‘nice to have’. My workload with the podcast, the online course I’m launching and a few other things has meant that proactively dating has been put on the back burner somewhat, but today has made me realise that soon, I do want to give it much more attention, which will mean a bit more commitment to it! So if you are feeling the void today, then look at it as an opportunity to reassess what you’re doing to actually get out there and meet people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using today to reinforce that you want to find a relationship and someone special! And if it’s more about getting over the void of your ex not being around, then use today as a chance to show yourself some love or to those who you do have around you.

Bit of a short and sweet one today but I don’t think it’s necessary to make a huge thing of Valentine’s. Make it what you will and use it as an opportunity whatever situation you might be in right now. Here’s a snapchat of my Valentine’s Day ramblings - you can catch me at laurayatesuk on there

Laura x