Valentine's Day often places a spotlight on romantic relationships. While love can certainly be expressed romantically, this season can also heighten pressure, comparison, loneliness, grief, or reflection for those who have experienced changes or losses, or those whose lives simply look different.



When love is considered more expansively, Valentine’s season becomes less about comparison and more about connection. Approaching this season with a broader understanding of love can reduce that pressure to experience it in only one way.

Love is not limited to one type of relationship. It shows up in many forms, including self-love, family bonds, close friendships, and a sense of belonging within our community. Self-love shapes how we treat ourselves, what we allow from others, and ultimately, how we show love to those around us. Biological or chosen family relationships can provide stability and shared history. Healthy friendships offer support and mutual understanding, while community reminds us that we are not meant to navigate life alone.



1. Release expectations around how this season “should” look

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to experience Valentine’s Day. The version often presented in popular culture is only one of many, and it does not have to define your experience. Lots of people celebrate “Galentine’s day” to celebrate their friendships. Lots of children make cards for their family, teachers and classmates. Others even celebrate by giving their pets treats and putting them in cute valentines’ outfits. Like we said, there’s no right or wrong. Do what aligns with you.

2. Show gratitude for the ways you already receive love

Pausing to notice the sources of care, support, or connection that already exist in your life can reduce the urge to compare yourself to others. E.g., Sit down and think of one person or place where you have received love or felt loved. One client shared that after a heavy snowfall, her neighbors shoveled her sidewalk and dug out her car, and it really touched her heart to see how much they care. 

3. Practice self-respect and self-love as a form of self-care

Setting boundaries and limits is an important but sometimes overlooked expression of love, particularly for those navigating difficult or unhealthy relationships. Honoring your own wants and needs by choosing a beloved hobby or buying yourself a treat are a few examples of self-love.

4. Strengthen family bonds through small, intentional gestures

A shared meal such as a parent making heart-shaped pancakes for their children, or a moment of presence such as going through photo albums with elderly loved ones, can be meaningful ways to express affection toward family members, whether biological or chosen. For those who are grieving, this might also include acts of remembrance, such as visiting the resting place of a loved one with flowers as a way of expressing enduring love beyond the grave.

5. Nurture friendships with simple acts of connection

Reaching out to a friend, checking in via a kind message or a phone call, spending quality time together, or expressing appreciation all go a long way in reinforcing bonds that often provide support and connection.

6. Create connection through everyday interactions

Fostering a sense of community often means engaging in small interactions such as greeting a neighbor, chatting with a familiar store clerk, attending a regular class, or having lunch with colleague.

7. Let connection be imperfect

You don't need to use the "perfect words" or show up flawless. Allowing relationships and interactions to be authentic and imperfect often makes them more impactful, sustainable, and genuine.



Connection does not need to be perfect or performative to be meaningful. When love is seen as connection, care, empathy, and respect for oneself and others, this season can become an opportunity to nurture emotional well-being in ways that extend well beyond the celebration.