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You’ll get a good buzz from this act of kindness and the therapeutic process of writing down your feelings. You can even write a letter to yourself. You deserve the same kindness and love you show to others.
But be careful not to go too adventurous if you’re going through some big emotions. Breakup bangs or extreme buzzcuts are not always a good idea.
Taking a little break from social media is never a bad idea, but on Valentine’s Day it might be essential. Be mindful of the media you consume, or just take a break from all of it for the day.
There’s guaranteed to be an influx of couples photos and declarations of love that you may not want to see. In particular, staying off social media will reduce temptation to check up on your ex!
We don’t need to numb ourselves to negative emotions or be afraid of them. The important thing to remember is that they won’t last forever and that you’re strong enough to make it through this tough day.
Binge every episode of ‘Bridgerton’ in one day, order your favorite Indian food, or try that new workshop you've been meaning to. Whatever tickles your fancy!
Relationships are all about compromise, but one upside of being single is that you don’t have to compromise anymore! Do something you love that you could never do with your ex.
Friends can be a great source of support on Valentine’s Day, and may be in need of some support themselves. Reach out to those that know you and understand what you’re going through, and plan something fun.
We are each responsible for being our own best friend. Only you truly know what you’re feeling and what you need, so you’re the best person to comfort yourself during hard times. Self-sufficiency and resilience are things we learn through difficult experiences like breakups, so it’s a great time to learn to show yourself love and kindness.
If you’re having an especially hard time, think about what you would do for a friend who was in your position. Maybe you’d rush over to their place with pizza and wine to remind them that they’re strong and beautiful, and reassure them that everything will be okay.
Just because you don’t have a date doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the beauty of the human form! Why not try a movie marathon starring your favorite celeb?
This might be a more shallow one, but why not put the wasted money previously spent on chocolates and lingerie towards something you truly want for yourself. That could be a luxurious bath set, or a beautiful but pricey book. Treat yourself!
On April 14, Koreans celebrate a special holiday called Black Day. It's basically the anti-Valentine's Day and its purpose is to celebrate singles! Single friends gather together in restaurants to eat a dish called jajangmyeon and have fun.
Your new tradition could be something totally unrelated to Valentine's Day that improves your sense of well-being, like volunteering or giving blood. Alternatively, you can create a solo ritual or a plan with friends.
Remember that being single is better than being in a relationship that isn’t right. It’s easy to start getting sentimental and idealizing your ex around Valentine’s Day, but don’t forget that it didn’t work out for a reason.
Being single and being alone are not the same thing. All of that Valentine’s Day marketing confuses us into thinking we need a romantic partner to give us love. In reality, we’re surrounded by love in all its different shapes and forms. Focus on all the love you have in your life, rather than love you don't!
Sources: (Elite Daily) (Insider) (HuffPost)
See also: Single and satisfied: famous women on the power of being alone
Your first Valentine's Day as a singleton after a breakup can be tough, whether you and your partner ended things six months ago or six days ago. Social media starts lighting up with outpourings of love and pictures of elaborate Valentine's Day plans and gifts. For those of us living the single life, it can really make you feel like you're missing out, and potentially dredge up old heartbreaks.
It's good to have a few coping mechanisms in your back pocket if you're expecting February 14 to be a little rocky. Click through this gallery for some tips to get you through the day!
Depending on your situation, you could plan a fun activity for your friends or a Netflix party for those you can’t see face to face. Order a pizza and watch a movie that totally sh*ts on romance!
There are also a great range of Ted Talks on the subjects of love and relationships. For instance, Helen Fisher gives a talk on what happens in the brain when we're in love, and Ester Perel explores why people cheat.
Lizzo’s song ‘Soulmate’ basically says it all: “I’m my own soulmate / I know how to love me.” Take some time to consider how you can truly take care of yourself. Whether it’s some form of exercise or meditation, an artistic outlet you’ve been neglecting, or starting online therapy, what better time to do something kind for yourself than the day of love.
How to survive your first Valentine's Day after a breakup
Don't worry: you're not alone
LIFESTYLE Advice
Your first Valentine's Day as a singleton after a breakup can be tough, whether you and your partner ended things six months ago or six days ago. Social media starts lighting up with outpourings of love and pictures of elaborate Valentine's Day plans and gifts. For those of us living the single life, it can really make you feel like you're missing out, and potentially dredge up old heartbreaks.
It's good to have a few coping mechanisms in your back pocket if you're expecting February 14 to be a little rocky. Click through this gallery for some tips to get you through the day!