Without a Valentine

On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love, relationships, and the special bonds we have with those who are significant in our lives. For those who have lost their Valentine, this holiday can be tough.

For Valentine’s Day, you and your partner may have had annual traditions, such as going to a particular restaurant for dinner, watching a romantic comedy, giving or receiving red roses, etc.

The loss of traditions, companionship, and future plans we shared with our partner are called secondary losses, and this might be why you experience more grief around the holidays.

Valentine’s Day can feel impossible to avoid. Being constantly surrounded by hearts, flowers, chocolates, and love songs can make you want to lock yourself inside your house until February 15th!

I don’t recommend this solution. There are ways to participate in this holiday without being overwhelmed by grief. Here are a few ideas:

• Gift yourself with a special Valentine’s Day present.
• Honor your departed loved one(s) by continuing your annual traditions.
• Surround yourself with people who love and support you.
• Cook a special meal for someone you care about.
• Create new traditions.

While the focus of Valentine’s Day is usually romantic love, we can shift our mindset to focusing on spreading love to everyone! Because everyone deserves to be loved.

“We love because he first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19

Let this bible verse remind us that God is love, created love, and loved us first. He loved us before we were capable of loving Him. We can only love others because of what He has done in our lives.

Written by: Paige Muttillo | Marketing Manager | Catholic Cemeteries Association