Valentine's Guide for the Single

Valentine's Day: that annual reminder that our culture has decided romantic love is the pinnacle of human experience, and if you're not partnered, something must be wrong with you.

Spoiler: nothing is wrong with you.

The Myth of Romantic Completeness

We've been sold a story that a romantic partner will complete us. That we're somehow half a person until we find "the one."

This narrative is:

Historically recent (romantic love as life's purpose is a modern invention)
Culturally specific (many societies don't prioritise romance this way)
Commercially useful (someone is selling you something)
Psychologically questionable (codependency isn't cute)

You are a whole person. Right now. Regardless of your relationship status.

If You're Happily Single

You don't need to justify this. You don't need to explain that you're "focusing on yourself" or "waiting for the right person." Being single is a valid life choice, not a waiting room.

Today is a good day to:

Celebrate the relationships that do matter to you (friends, family, pets, yourself)
Enjoy the genuine freedoms that come with singlehood
Remember that partnered people aren't automatically happier
Do something you love that a partner might not enjoy

If You Wish You Weren't Single

That's valid too. Wanting companionship is human. Feeling lonely is hard. You don't have to pretend you're fine if you're not.

But also remember:

Your worth isn't determined by your relationship status
One day of heightened romantic marketing doesn't define your life
Many people in relationships are lonely too
The right relationship will come from overflow, not desperation

What If You're Complicated?

Maybe you're recently heartbroken. Maybe you're in a difficult relationship. Maybe you're questioning what you even want. Maybe Valentine's Day just brings up complicated feelings.

All of that is okay. You don't owe the day any particular emotion.

A Radical Act

Want to be really subversive? Decide that February 14th is just a day. The sun will rise, the sun will set, and your life will be exactly as meaningful as it was on February 13th.

Love - real love, the kind that matters - isn't confined to romantic relationships or commercial holidays. It's in friendship, community, purpose, and the relationship you have with yourself.

Happy Tuesday. Or whatever day it is. You're doing fine.