Valentine’s is the most romantic time of year, for some. For others, Valentine’s Day is a horrible reminder of ex-partners and the fact that you’re currently riding solo. Scrolling through Instagram on February 14 when you’re single only makes the problem worse. Don’t panic if you haven’t been sent roses or chocolates, there are plenty of ways to feel loved without a partner on the romantic holiday. Express.co.uk chatted to Confidence and Mindset Coach Hattie MacAndrews to find out the six ways to help Valentine’s Day pass painlessly.
Don’t text your ex
On a day that draws your attention to love, singletons are forced to think about the romantic connections they no longer have.
When you’re feeling lonely, it can be tempting to reach out to an ex. But please, don’t!
Hattie said: “It will end in tears (most likely yours) whatever their response.
“Nothing good can come from attempting to spark an old flame – they’re an ‘old flame’ for a reason.
“If you’re on the fence, try writing a list of all the reasons you broke up and remind yourself why they are no longer in your life. Block, delete and move on.”
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Don’t feel sorry for yourself
It’s tempting to mope around, cry and wallow in self-pity when you’re single for Valentine’s Day, but this won’t do any good.
Hattie advised: “Get some perspective here – Valentine’s Day is just another day in the year. It’s really no different from the day before, and the day after.
“Don’t waste your precious energy and fill your headspace with chatter about not being good enough.
“You are perfectly imperfect, just as you are, you are not broken and don’t need a partner to make you feel whole.”
Treat yourself!
You don’t need a partner to spoil you – spoil yourself! After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
Hattie said: “This seems to be my go-to advice for everything, as sometimes it’s really all you need.
“Buy yourself the flowers and choose the chocolates you actually want.
“Update your lingerie to make you feel sassy and confident (in a size that fits).
“Spend hours in the bath with a facemask on belting out Adele. Go to a spin class or drink a bottle of wine.
“You don’t need a plus one to feel in control. Celebrate your independence and do something fun.”
Celebrate love
What is love? So often we define ‘love’ as something between a romantic couple, but that’s not the only kind of love you can experience.
Hattie said: “Love comes in oh-so-many forms, and once you detach the concept of love from being purely romantic, you’ll see how available it is to you.
“Family, friends, activities, relationships of all kinds can be celebrated – open your eyes to what’s in front of you. Don’t forget dogs.
“I have gifted the book ‘Conversations on Love’ by Natasha Lunn to everyone I know and love, as it’s brilliant and really the perfect Valentine’s Day read.”
