4 Ways to Feel Great During Valentine’s Day

They say Valentine’s day is when people should fall in love and couples should be “happy.” This idea promotes social comparisons and thus adds pressure to anyone who feels alone. If you’re one of them, here are four ways to feel great and avoid social comparisons on Valentine’s Day.

1. Stop pressuring yourself to find a date.

Take time to know yourself and what you want. You may feel isolated on Valentine’s Day because you thought you needed to find someone, or you’ll risk missing the boat. If that’s the case, remember that:

• Some couples feel confused because they rushed into a relationship without fully knowing themselves and each other.
• When people only date for the record of having a “significant other,” they often end up losing their individuality in a relationship.

2. Don’t believe in social media.

What couples post on social media are only the highlights; it’s never the whole story. In fact, studies show that couples who post nice pictures are more prone to constant arguments than those who don’t.

People tend to cover up their deep-seated insecurities and relationship flaws through extravagant efforts or oversharing on social media. So, the happy pictures you see won’t guarantee anything. Comparing yourself with anyone might only lower your self-esteem and won’t do any good.

3. Practice gratitude.

Being grateful doesn’t mean ignoring your sadness. It means zooming into and celebrating what you have despite everything you don’t have. You can start by:

• Listening to your emotions
• Enjoying alone time
• Making yourself a priority
• Congratulating yourself even for your smallest achievements
• Keeping a gratitude journal

4. Treat Yourself.

You don’t have to spend Valentine’s Day with someone. You can make it a day to:

• Take your day off
• Create a list of things you would like to do that day
• Eat your favorite food
• Watch your favorite movies
• Engage in hobbies you never had the time to

Being comfortable with your imperfect relationship or being happy alone aren’t one-time acts. They require healing, self-awareness, and reframing of one’s thoughts.

If you have difficulty coping, it is a good idea to seek a therapist. Our psychologists and psychiatrists here at Gestalt Wellness Institute are available from 9 am-11 pm, Mondays to Saturdays. We provide specialized and quality multidisciplinary services as a collaborative, efficient, and sustainable mental health institution committed to self-discovery and expansion.