Not everyone feels uplifted by the pressure to express or celebrate love on a single day. Some people might feel excluded, overwhelmed, or even pressured by traditional expectations. Consider these perspectives:

• Strained Relationships: Those who are unhappy in their primary relationships may find the day painful.
• Pressure to Conform: Some dislike the idea that love must be demonstrated on a specific day, feeling that genuine care should shine through every day.
• Rejection of Commercialism: For many, the commercialization of Valentine’s Day detracts from its genuine meaning.
• Financial Limitations: Even in a loving relationship, some couples might not have the means to celebrate in the way they’d like.
• Longing for Connection: Individuals who wish they were in a relationship may find the day bittersweet.
• Content Single Lives: People who enjoy being single sometimes feel bombarded by well-meaning friends and family insisting they’d be happier with a partner.
• Grieving Loss: Those mourning the end of a significant relationship—whether through death, divorce, or personal decision—may find the day especially difficult.

Expanding the Celebration: Galentine’s, Singles, and Self-Love

In recent years, several alternative celebrations have emerged around Valentine’s Day to honor a broader spectrum of relationships:

• Galentine’s Day (February 13): A day for women to celebrate the bonds of friendship and the empowering support of their female networks.
• No One Eats Alone Day (February 14): A reminder that a meal shared in good company—whether it’s friends, family, or new acquaintances—can be just as meaningful as a romantic dinner.
• Singles Awareness Day (February 15): An opportunity to recognize and honor the choice of being single. It’s not about consolation; it’s about celebrating independence, fostering community, and, if desired, opening doors to new connections.
• Self-Love: While not always labeled as a holiday, taking time for self-care and self-compassion is crucial. Whether you’re single or coupled, nurturing your relationship with yourself lays the foundation for all other relationships. My book, Choosing Me Now, helps people develop an individualized, strategic self-love plan beyond the typical mani-pedi, exercise, and healthy eating commonly prescribed.  

Relationships Matter—Every Day

Research consistently shows that supportive, caring relationships contribute to longevity, mental health, and overall resilience. Whether you’re lucky enough to have found a person who lights up your world or you lean on a circle of close friends and family, celebrate these connections every day. For instance, when I moved to Chicago and opened my business, it was the unwavering support of my friends—from the Professional Women’s Network, the Choice Theory community, high school travel buddies, college pals, lifelong friends, and family members—that helped me thrive. In my eyes, every day is a perfect day for celebrating your supportive relationships.

If you lack the supportive relationships you need, consider using February as a launching pad for building new connections. Reach out to that friend you haven’t seen in a while, join a local community group, or volunteer—sometimes reaching out can create a ripple effect of warmth, inclusion, and support.

In Conclusion

February is a month to honor every form of connection. Whether you’re in a committed relationship, celebrating deep friendships, cherishing family bonds, or enjoying your own company, take a moment to appreciate the people who make your life richer. Remember, the essence of love isn’t confined to a single day—it’s woven into every act of kindness, every shared laugh, and every moment of self-care.

Celebrate your relationships in a way that feels authentic to you and consider extending an invitation or a kind gesture to someone who might be feeling alone. After all, love in all its forms is worth celebrating—today, tomorrow, and every day in between.