Love and Loss on Valentine’s Day
Posted on February 11th, 2022
Valentine’s Day is a day marked all over the world and is known as an opportunity to celebrate the love we have in our lives. However, for many, it is an occasion that comes with waves of different emotions – it can be bittersweet, especially if you have lost a partner. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, but 14th February and the surrounding messages of love and togetherness can serve as a stark reminder, making the grieving process that little bit more difficult.
There is no right or wrong way to feel, and your emotions are perfectly natural, so as we head into what is widely regarded as the month of love, try to be as kind to yourself as you can. Here are some ways that may bring some comfort, encouraging positive feelings while you remember your lost loved one this Valentine’s Day.
Be with friends or family
If you’re feeling isolated or trapped beneath your emotions, we would always encourage reaching out to someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend, if you feel you can. The people who love you the most are likely to want to help and would want to make the day as way for you as they can – but they may not realise how overwhelmed you might be feeling. Spending the day with someone close to you, whether that’s going on a walk, having a meal, watching TV quietly together, or simply having a chat about the person you have lost, can provide some comfort and relief – or a welcome distraction if that’s what you need.
Take part in an activity you did with your loved one
Every couple is different – and the process of grieving is unique to everyone – so there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to marking Valentine’s Day. It may be an opportunity to partake in an activity that you and your partner used to do together, bringing back those nostalgic feelings and reflecting on happy times and memories you created together. This might be watching your favourite films or spending time in a special place that you used to visit – or this could be an activity such as a walk, bike ride, or picnic. While life goes on, that closeness and togetherness you shared was real, and will stay with you forever – planning time to reminisce may have a positive, cathartic effect. And you needn’t do it alone; perhaps a friend or family member can join you to talk about the good times and provide some support.
Self-care – be kind to yourself
On a day like this, as much as any other day, try to find some time to look after yourself. Check in with your thoughts and emotions and cut yourself some slack – what do you feel like doing today? Perhaps you want the day to pass, unmarked, like any other, or maybe it’s a chance for you to direct some of the loving energy that would you normally spend on someone else, towards yourself. This self-care can take any form you wish, such as a relaxing walk or some exercise, your favourite comfort food, a long bath, or a movie marathon. What are your emotions telling you? Grief is a long-term process and listening to your feelings – and being as understanding towards yourself as you would to a friend or family member – can make all the difference when times feel hard.
It’s never difficult to lose a partner, or anyone that you love, but the team here at Freedom Funerals are here for you, ready 24 hours a day to advise and guide you through this journey, or simply to listen. Give our friendly, patient team a call on 01206 862 963.
