Being Single in February

Don’t tell me it’ll happen when I least expect it.

Being single can be a lot. This can be amplified in February when you’re surrounded by messages that you need to have someone special in your life or you’re not doing it right. And while yes, Valentine’s Day is a greeting card holiday and it says nothing about you as a person to be single through it, reminding yourself of this is easier said than done. Especially if your friends or family are all coupled up.

I can give you so many platitudes right now in an effort to make you feel better, but, at least for me, these make it worse. I know worth is not dependent on having a partner, so it doesn’t help to have people tell me that. What does help, at least somewhat, is hearing the validation that yes, whether I want a partner or not, being single in this month can suck. Especially with all the messages we get.

What can be helpful to make a conscious effort to do what makes you happy this month. Really listen to what your body and mind needs and make an effort to honor that. Do you need to uninstall a social media app for a few weeks? Do it. Do you need to go out and be around people to feel less lonely? Go for it. Do you need to be a hermit to be kind to yourself? Sounds great. Do what works for you to make this month of romance a good month for you regardless of your relationship status. Try to give yourself some grace and if it will make you happy, and it’s legal, then go for it!