Surviving Valentine’s Day After Divorce

 Posted on February 12, 2018 in Divorce

After the end of a long-term relationship, you are likely ready to move on with your life and leave the emotional pain of your breakup behind. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do during the days and weeks surrounding February 14th. As a holiday dedicated to love and relationships, Valentine’s Day can seem inescapable, with the products on store shelves, radio and TV advertisements, and other people’s plans for romantic celebrations all serving as reminders of your newly-single status.

If you have been recently divorced or are in the midst of the divorce process, Valentine’s Day does not have to be a negative time of the year. Here are some strategies for surviving the holiday during and after divorce:

• Spend time with friends - Getting together with other single people you know is a great way to have fun on Valentine’s Day, whether you are going out for dinner and drinks or having a party at your home.

• Take time for yourself - If you do not feel like being social, there are plenty of ways you can cope with loneliness during this season, including buying a gift for yourself, spending time at the gym, getting a massage, taking a class to further your career, or participating in activities and hobbies you enjoy.

• Focus on your kids - If you have children, you can work on creating new holiday traditions with them, such as cooking a favorite meal, working on crafts, playing games, or watching a favorite movie.

• Avoid social media - Facebook, Instagram, and other social networks can be a minefield around Valentine’s Day, with pictures of people’s celebrations and expressions of love reminding you of the end of your relationship. If you want to avoid these reminders, it is best to refrain from using social media altogether, and you should definitely avoid checking in on your ex-spouse’s activities, since this can make it harder to heal and move on.

• Volunteer - Giving back to the community is a great way to get your mind off your own troubles and create positive memories that you can associate with the holiday. There are a wide variety of activities that you can participate in, including volunteering at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, animal shelter, children’s hospital, or nursing home.

• Take your time with new relationships - Rather than rushing to find a new partner, focus on taking care of yourself and healing the wounds of your breakup. This will help you avoid repeating the same mistakes a second time.

Contact a Rolling Meadows Divorce Attorney

While you are likely not looking forward to experiencing Valentine’s Day as a single person, ending a relationship that is not working is sometimes the best option for everyone involved. If you are considering divorce, or if you have already begun the divorce process, the attorneys of A. Traub & Associates can work with you to make sure you meet your legal requirements and help you reach a settlement that protects your best interests. Contact our Schaumburg divorce lawyers today at 630-426-0196 to schedule an initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.coachingfordivorcedwomen.com/7-ways-divorced-women-celebrate-valentines-day/

https://familyshare.com/1669/handling-valentines-day-after-divorce