Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and what seems like a holiday to celebrate with significant others may cause some people’s mental health to plummet. This day serves as a reminder to those who do not have a partner to share the day with. However, there are ways to make this day less about being in a relationship and more about the love we have for all the people around us. 

Even for those who are in a relationship, Valentine’s Day can still be stressful. The holiday puts a lot of pressure on people to make it a perfect day for their partner. Social media also adds another layer of stress because it allows you to start comparing your relationship with others online. Finances are another issue because some people don’t have enough money to pay for expensive Valentine’s Day gifts. 

When people start to feel overwhelmed and forget the joy the holiday should bring, there are some things they can do. When making plans for the holiday the most important thing is what you and your partner like, so don’t try to meet social media standards. Make sure you and your significant other have open communication about your expectations for the day. Gifts should be personal and meaningful instead of over the top and expensive. 

When February 14th comes around, the people who aren’t in relationships are reminded that they are single. This seemingly joyful day can cause people to spiral into a fit of seasonal depression, where they begin to feel lonely and empty in some cases. After seeing posts on social media, people begin to question themselves and ask why they aren’t worthy of love. 

There are ways to focus on love on Valentine’s Day that have nothing to do with being in a relationship. According to Serene Health, “It’s a perfect time to make plans with friends or family. Even if it’s not a romantic occasion, spending time with people you care about and who value you is a great boost for your mood and overall well-being.”

Everyone is worthy of love and you shouldn’t have to question this fact. There are some things we can do to change the focus of this holiday. One thing is to practice loving yourself. If you don’t have a partner on this day, do something nice for yourself. Treat yourself to something that you want in order to make yourself feel special. 

According to SLV Behavioral Health Group, “Research has shown that individuals who cultivate self-love experience higher levels of happiness, reduced anxiety, and improved overall well-being. It acts as a buffer against the societal pressures that can make us feel unworthy or inadequate.” 

Another big thing that we can do to make this holiday more manageable is to redefine what love means. Love is not just about being in a relationship and finding your person. Love is constantly around us; we just need to recognize it. There is love within friendships, family, and yourself, so we shouldn’t limit it to one day on the calendar. 

So this year on Valentine’s Day, whether you are in a relationship or not, remember to take a breath and stop comparing yourself to others. Love isn’t a competition, and it’s not defined by one day or what you see on social media. By changing the focus away from comparison and expectations, Valentine’s Day can become less overwhelming and more meaningful for everyone.