Whether or not you are someone that enjoys celebrating Valentine’s Day, surviving your first Valentine’s Day after divorce can be difficult. February 14th can be a reminder of the loss of love and even loneliness. If this is your first Valentine’s Day after divorce, our Texas divorce attorneys have put together a list of tips to help you survive your first Valentine’s Day after divorce.
Tips to surviving your first Valentine’s Day after divorce
Your first Valentine’s Day after divorce does not have to be one filled with sadness. Here are our tips for getting through the holiday without feeling heartbroken.
Plan some time for self-care
Putting yourself first and making yourself a priority is one of the best things you can do. Self-care is essential for healing. So make time on Valentine’s Day to book a spa appointment, get your nails done, book a workout class, buy yourself some flowers, or even order your favorite takeout.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13th
Although Galentine’s Day is not an official holiday, planning a fun girl’s night on Galentine’s Day with your friends is a perfect time to take a night to reconnect with friends who are always there for you. Making those connections is essential, especially with women who have been there for you during your divorce. So plan a night out at your favorite restaurant or a casual night at home with your friends in your comfy PJs.
For recently divorced men, it’s crucial that you also make time to connect with friends. Too often, these holidays are focused on women, and men can also feel lonely or sad during this time.
Do Something Fun With Your Children
If you have your children on Valentine’s Day, make it memorable for them. Center your Valentine’s Day around favorite things they like to do or plan Valentine-themed activities. For example, you can make Valentine’s Day cupcakes, heart-shaped pizzas, make each other cards, or plan a fun movie night. Divorce is difficult for everyone, and even your kids may experience similar emotions around this holiday.
Remember that your ex-spouse may also want to spend time with the children, or your ex-spouse may have the children on Valentine’s Day. Working together to create an effective co-parenting plan that works for everyone around specific holidays is essential.
Stay Off Social Media
You don’t need constant reminders of couples in love, and watching your friends on social media can be depressing if you are alone. But, most importantly, you should avoid looking at your ex-spouse on social media. You may see something you are not ready to see or even start romanticizing about the past. Either one is not beneficial for your mental health. It’s important to stay focused and move forward.
Date when you feel ready.
Just because Valentine’s Day is seen most often as a romantic holiday does not mean you must push yourself to start dating. Being newly divorced means having time for yourself that you didn’t have before. As a result, you can learn more about yourself and begin to understand better what you like and don’t like. This time also gives you time to think about what qualities you would like in a romantic partner.
Most importantly, give yourself a break.
Divorce is hard. Give yourself permission to struggle a bit. It’s understandable, normal, and expected that you may feel sad from time to time. However, it’s essential to take care of yourself. It’s important to keep going and look for positive outlets. When feeling down, speak to a therapist, your friends, and your family. This Valentine’s Day, find an activity or spend time with people who reinforce all the great things in your life.
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