Loneliness can feel extra heavy on Valentine’s Day. Especially when the restaurants are filled with tables for two, social media flows with declarations of love and the whole country over -consuming red roses. According to relationship expert Angela Ahola, the reason for the difficult feelings is that you compare with others.
– The day is not completely optimal. Many of us find it difficult to reach the idealized and romanticized images of paired happiness that are not really true, which dampens the joy, she says.
She believes that what is visible on social media is not an objective depiction of everyday life that most people live in.
– If you are in a couple relationship, there are conflicts and discussions, unlike these “highlights” that are often posted on social media.
Occurs on a Friday: “May feel awkward”
Many feel loneliness even though they have friends and family around them. According to Angela Ahola, it is because you focus on romantic love. In addition, the difficult feelings will be extra tense this year because the day occurs on a Friday.
– You think there would have been all the chances in the world to do fun things if you had a couple relationship. Then you compare your own life with the ideal pictures of how you could have it, which can feel hard.
At the same time, Valentine’s Day is on a Friday can mean benefits – you have the whole weekend ahead and more chances to find activities, says Angela Ahola.
The three best advice of the love expert
Angela Ahola’s three best advice for singles who feel that Valentine’s Day is extra hard.
1. Book yourself with friends
– Do something that distracts you and that makes you feel less alone, then it will not be as difficult.
2. Take a break from social media
– There will be less focus on a possible loneliness if you do not expose yourself with the happiness of others.
3. Focus on gratitude
– Try to practice gratitude for everything you have instead of thinking that you do not have your dream relationship. Focus on other positive things like friends, jobs or any travel.