Single or in a relationship? How to joyfully get through Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day draws a lot of mixed opinions, some celebrate romantic love at great lengths and others see it as commercially driven.

Psychotherapist Kelly Bos joined Annette Hamm on Morning Live to share three simple ways to navigate this love-pressured day.

Single on Valentine’s Day

This holiday is not just for celebrating romantic love.

Bos said Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to practice self-love as well by having a self-care day or spending it with dear friends.

This may include having a warm bath, eating your favourite chocolate or cooking dinner with a friend.

Couples With Different Opinions

If you are in a relationship, Bos said it is important to communicate your expectations for Valentine’s Day.

“If one person is really gunning for it and the other person is like ‘this really isn’t a big deal,’ that’s an important conversation to have,” she said.

“Maybe there’s a compromise to be had where it’s not over the top but something that you both can say ‘this feels right for us as a couple.”

Sick With COVID-19 on Valentine’s Day

Over the past two years, the majority of people have had to cancel or reschedule celebrations due to COVID-19, and that may happen again this Valentine’s Day.

If your significant other tests positive for the virus or has to isolate, Bos recommended getting creative.

Ideas include video chatting in separate rooms or playing a board game that doesn’t require direct contact.