Surviving Valentine’s Day After Divorce

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Cherished by some, dreaded by others – Valentine‘s Day is a divisive day in the annual calendar. For those people going through a relationship breakdown and divorce, it can serve as a stark reminder that you are now flying solo.

When you are in the middle of a separation and adapting to a new life, love, romance, hearts and flowers are often the last things you need to be reminded of. To help, here are some simple tips to help you survive Valentine’s Day after divorce.

Surviving Valentine’s Day after divorce: what to do

Ask yourself how you can make the day better and do it.
This year, do something different and treat yourself. Why can you not send yourself flowers, perfume or chocolates? Show yourself some love.
Flip your focus onto what you have instead of what you do not have – gratitude for what you have will lift your mood. Make a list – it will be longer than you think.
Get together with friends at home, have a party, go for a run, a yoga class or a workout class together.
If you have kids, have a movie night at home together and pick a funny one.
Do something kind for someone else – you’ll get a boost to your serotonin levels and feel satisfied and content.
Remember it is just a day and that it will pass. You will survive, and things do get better.

Surviving Valentine’ Day after divorce: what not to do

Be alone
Overindulge (food, alcohol etc to fill the gap)
Call, text, email, write, DM or send a card to your Ex
Go to places where your ex is likely to be in the hope you bump into him
Social media – have a day away from scrolling your news feeds

Consider celebrating Galentine’s (and Palentine’s) Day

An event coined in the US, why not celebrate Palentine’s or Galentine’s Day. Falling on 13 February, this is the day to celebrate friendship and honour the wonderful mates in your life. Single or in a couple, getting together will help you see that love in life comes in many different forms.

Surviving Valentine’s Day after divorce – the power of changing your mindset. Changing your mindset about Valentine’s Day and turning it into a day where you honour yourself, your friends, your wider family and love in its various forms can take it from a day of dread to one to cherish, this year and for years to come.

This article originally appeared on the Stowe Family Law Blog

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