Valentines day is a date in the calendar when many people experience a profound shift in their wellbeing, dependent on the actions of others they believe or hope, have feelings of love or attraction towards them.
People who receive gifts or cards from people they wish to receive them from, are elated – in themselves and when others comment on the positive significance of this. For others, not in a relationship (and wanting one), a sense of sadness, depression and lack overwhelms them. They might even find ways to distract themselves from associated painful feelings e.g. dining with other singletons or hoodwinking themselves into activities that act as useful excuses to others who enquire how they spend their valentines evening. Some people in relationships feel anger or embarrassment towards their mate when asked by others regarding how their loved one demonstrated their affection.
What do these scenarios have in common? They point to giving away your power to external expectations and myths of what things should, ought or must mean.
Examine your own feelings on Valentines Day and seek other way to evaluate others’ behaviour on your terms, not society’s, the media or external myths of what you should, ought or must receive, feel or give.