Valentine’s Day often carries high expectations fuelled by societal ideals and commercial influences. We are bombarded with images of extravagant gifts, romantic getaways, and grand declarations of love. These ideals can inadvertently create pressure and disappointment when our own experiences don’t align with the extravagant adverts. It’s crucial to remember that real love is far more complex and beautiful than the superficial standards we can see on Valentine’s Day. Love is not solely limited to romantic partnerships, nor does it need to revolve around grand gestures. It exists in so many different forms and can be celebrated in countless ways.

Different Ways to Celebrate Love

1. Self-Love: This Valentine’s Day, take the opportunity to practise self-love and self-compassion. Treat yourself kindly, take part in activities that bring you joy, and acknowledge your own worthiness of love and care. The scientific term for self-love is self-positivity bias, which is defined as the way people rate themselves as possessing more positive personality traits and displaying more positive behaviours than the average population.

Cultivating this self-positivity bias has plenty of evidence-based benefits. Eric Fields and Gina R. Kuperberg, both researchers from the Department of Psychology at Tufts University, explain that: “Positively biased self-views are argued to be a key component of healthy psychological functioning, influencing self-esteem, motivation, and determination. Indeed, a lack of a self-positivity bias (or even a self-negativity bias) may contribute to mood and anxiety disorder.” So showing yourself some love today (and every day) can really benefit your overall mental health.

2. Love for Friends and Family: Love isn’t limited to romantic relationships. Celebrate the love you share with friends and family – send heartfelt messages, plan a cosy dinner with loved ones, or simply spend quality time together.

3. Love for Children: If you have children, involve them in the celebration. Create handmade cards, bake cookies (we have some tasty recipes in My Meals!), or engage in activities that emphasise love, kindness, and gratitude.

4. Acts of Kindness: Consider using Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to spread love through acts of kindness. Volunteer at a local charity, help a neighbour, or reach out to someone who may be feeling lonely. Keep an eye out for other people’s acts of kindness too; according to the Acts of Kindness Foundation, witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall heart-health (as well as making us feel good!).

5. Express Gratitude: Take time to express gratitude for the love and support you’ve received from people in your life. A heartfelt thank-you note or a simple expression of appreciation can go a long way. Gratitude not only helps others to feel valued and loved, but expressing gratitude has also been proven to improve how we approach interpersonal relationships, both at home and work (Gordon, Impett, Kogan, Oveis, & Keltner, 2012).

Avoiding Comparison

Comparing your Valentine’s Day experience to others can be a recipe for disappointment and unnecessary stress. Remember that everyone’s circumstances, relationships, and preferences are unique. What matters most is the authenticity and sincerity of the love you share, not the grandeur of the celebration. Instead of dwelling on comparisons, focus on what makes your relationships special. Cherish the moments of connection, laughter, and shared experiences!

Valentine’s Day need not be confined to a narrow, commercialised view of love. It can be a day to celebrate love in all its forms – romantic, familial, platonic, and self-love. It’s a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the people who make your life richer and more meaningful. In this season of love, see if you can release yourself from unrealistic expectations and embrace the authenticity of genuine connections. Whether you’re spending the day with a partner, family, friends, or simply with yourself, we hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!