Valentine’s Day… and I’m single
In this era of digital age, it is getting easier and easier for people to highlight their love and relationships on social media pages. This side of modern romance makes it a lot easier for people to start comparing their lives to someone else, highlighting their relationship status which is single.
Society has really contributed in painting a picture that in order for us to be happy, we need to be in a relationship. This results in people thinking that something is wrong with them, when really there isn’t.
Being single nowadays can lead to feelings of insecurity. It can highlight the loneliness that your relationship status can bring. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. It is really important for us to start challenging the ideas we have about being single. It is vital for us to start to move away from what society tells us.
Here are some suggestions to curb loneliness:
Spend time with your best friends
I know, quarantine is making this A LOT more difficult. Plus, you’re probably suffering from zoom fatigue at this point.
Isolating really breeds feelings such as depression and loneliness. It is important for you to make sure that you are spending time with people you love and care about. (Making sure that you are practicing all the safety precautions of COVID-19, of course.)
Try scheduling calls with friends and putting a limit to it. If you’re experiencing that fatigue, then listen to that. Try and find a balance. If you can only talk for 20 minutes, that’s ok. You could also set a tone and at the beginning of your conversation. “Hey, I’m feeling a bit of the zoom fatigue, I think I can only stay on for 20 minutes. How does that sound?” Most cases your friends would understand because they’re probably experiencing it too.
2. Self-care and self-love
Take this time to love on yourself! You might want to schedule this day to do your favorite things. Watch your favorite movie, blast your favorite music, spend an extra hour doing your hobby, or even learn a new skill you’ve been wanting to try out. Go for it all! This is an invitation to dedicate time to yourself, guilt-free. Let go of the worries of needing to be productive just for this weekend.
3. Give love to others!
Send a postcard to someone you love or send a sweet text message. Remind someone that you are thinking of them. Valentine’s day is not exclusively for couples or romantic partners. It is also a time to share your love with others.
However you decide to spend Valentine’s day - just remember that you get to define what this holiday means to you. Step away from society’s expectations and listen to what your needs are, and give that gift to yourself.
To learn more about ways to take care of your mental health, contact Camille at camille@diversifiedtherapyla.com
