Remembering a Loved One on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is often a time for love and spending time with your significant other. But, after the loss of your partner or spouse, it can be a painful day. Holidays can often trigger emotions associated with those we have lost, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. This couples holiday can feel especially lonely without your loved one, and it can be hard to avoid with reminders in every retail store. This article will discuss ways to cope with Valentine’s Day grief. 

Ignore the Holiday

This may be easier said than done, but trying to treat it as any other day is one way to deal with Valentine’s day. Trying to ignore the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and aggressive jewelry ads can be a challenge, but treating it like any other day can be helpful to some.

Write it Out

Journaling is an incredibly effective tool for releasing emotions. Whether you type it out or write it by hand, putting words onto a page can be a cathartic release. Some people may also find recording themselves to be helpful, as well. Exploring your emotions in this way can make you feel some relief in your grief and is often seen as therapeutic. You don’t have to share your journaling with others. You can even delete it after if you want. Just going through the act of journaling can be healing.

Cry it Out

You don’t always need to put on a brave face. Everyone grieves differently. Moreover, everyone finds a way to process their feelings differently. Feel free to cry it out.

Visit Their Burial Site

Visiting the burial site of your loved one on Valentine’s Day can be one way to honor your loved one. Taking a trip to the cemetery can be one way to find closure on this holiday.

Do Something Nice For Yourself

Self-care is an important part of the healing process. Don’t be afraid to take Valentine’s Day to do something nice for yourself. Buy yourself a gift, watch your favorite movie, go out for a nice meal, or just take the time to catch up on sleep.

Be With Friends and Family

Consider spending time with other single friends or family members. While couples are usually tied up on Valentine’s Day, you could try to make plans with someone in your life who is single. 

Honoring Your Loved One

Additionally, you can do something nice in your loved one’s memory. You could make a donation to their favorite charity in their name, or plant a tree. You could also give in ways that don’t require money, such as volunteering your time or giving blood. If you want to honor your loved one, consider your options and pick something that you think they would appreciate. 

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are a number of resources out there. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.