Surviving Valentine’s Day Anxiety

Valentine's Day is the one day a year solely devoted to romantic love. While it may be a time for closeness for some, it could be uneasy or even overwhelming for others.

We sometimes feel that we can't live up to the high standards we set for ourselves and our partners due to societal and personal expectations. If we have a relationship, that is. Valentine's Day can serve as a massive reminder for single people that we haven't found our soul mate yet.

Additionally, an insecure attachment style can make Valentine's Day anxiety worse. If you don't have a special someone to celebrate with, you might be feeling down. If you are in a relationship, you might wonder how seriously you should take this occasion. Do they anticipate a gift from you? Or is the relationship still too young? What if you purchase the incorrect gift and sabotage a budding romance?

This Valentine's Day, whether you're in a relationship or not, we're going to try to lessen some of your load by offering a "survival guide" on how to get through the arguably most polarising holiday of the year.

Valentine's Day Anxiety Strategies for Couples

Being in a relationship on Valentine's Day may be wonderful because you can prove your dedication, reignite the romance, or mend fences after a protracted disagreement. However, given the expectations that come with the day—from delivering the "perfect" present to making the occasion memorable for your loved one—it can also be quite stressful.

Here are a few ideas to help those of us in relationships cope with Valentine's Day anxiety:

Don’t stress too much over gifts

We have been inundated with gift-related commercials for weeks, most of which are overpriced or sickly-sweet heart-shaped. And since there are so many possibilities, many individuals worry about what to buy for Valentine's Day; in fact, having too many choices can cause anxiety and mental paralysis. There's a chance that your spending will be extravagant or that you'll come across as unconcerned if you don't spend enough.

We have one piece of advice. Don't worry. Discuss your common expectations and gift-buying budget with your partner. You might also personalise the day for them. If money is limited, you can decide to prepare them dinner rather than go out to eat, or you might create them a card rather than buy one. Your companion will value your effort if they are interested in you. Since we are ultimately our own worst judges, your spouse is unlikely to hold your efforts to the same standard as you do. Time is the most valuable gift we can give.

Don’t let comparisons get you down

Unfortunately, rivalry between friends and couples—intentional or not—often contributes to Valentine's Day discomfort. It's simple to feel inferior in contrast to the image of the "ideal" relationship since social media, ads, and window displays are always telling us that our presents indicate our dedication.

But when we allow ourselves to be sidetracked by what people might think of us, we lose focus on what our partners could find appealing that day.

Additionally, if you have attachment issues, Valentine's Day could make you feel worse about not living up to expectations. Pay attention to the unique rituals you have with your spouse; if you like a particular performer, get a record for them. If you both have a favourite film, watch it together this evening. What may otherwise be a memorable experience for you both shouldn't be ruined by the comparison effect.

At the same time, try not to have too high of expectations for your spouse. Recognise that they may express their devotion in different and individual ways, and try not to overthink everything they do.

Valentine’s Day Anxiety Ideas for Singles

Let's face it, it might be difficult to be alone on Valentine's Day. It's impossible to resist feeling as though you're being inundated with scenes of contented couples, tailored commercials, and evocative music playing in every store or restaurant, no matter how hard you try. However, there are certain ways you may maximise the day in your own unique way:

Go out with your friends

Spending the day alone might not be the ideal option if Valentine's Day anxiety is somewhat sensitive for you for a personal reason (such as a recent breakup). Make plans to see friends, go on a day trip to a fascinating or unusual location, have dinner and drinks, or indulge in some shopping therapy. Valentine's Day discounts are widely available, and being in a relationship is not necessary to take advantage of them. Our happiness and mental health are greatly enhanced by spending time with friends, and there are several other physical and psychological advantages. Our social support systems provide us help when we're down by strengthening our confidence. They also provide us a crucial sense of security. So make the most of this time and celebrate what is important to you.

Take a day to yourself

Make Valentine's Day a day dedicated to self-care by taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or popping a bottle of prosecco. Also, treat yourself to a great supper at a restaurant if you want to. It's no longer frowned upon to eat alone in a public setting. Therefore, put aside your concerns about Valentine's Day and take comfort in the knowledge that being alone is far more intriguing and freeing than the forced talks that many other diners will be having that evening.

Avoid social media

Log out of social media and stay away from it to avoid Valentine's Day worry. Try to spend meaningful time with friends and family rather than thinking about the online personas that most people maintain. If you can't completely tune out, just skip the romantic postings and hashtags for Valentine's Day.

You may even opt to start a new relationship with social media this Valentine's Day; this might be the beginning of a digital detox that encourages you to spend more time with your loved ones rather than online.