Tips from WAY members for coping with Valentine's Day

February 2023

Valentine’s Day can be tough when you’ve been widowed. Some of our members have shared tips on how they have coped with this difficult date.

"We light a candle and I give some Valentine’s chocolates for our sons."

"I’ve spoiled other people with some love instead – my kids last year; might be my parents this year; the friends I have who have been there when others drifted; and the ones I know who also struggle or are on their own. I can still give out love, I have plenty."

"Feel free to buy yourself really nice presents. If you are going to miss your partner making you feel special – then remember that you are still special and still deserve something lovely."

"As much chocolate as your body can possibly contain, and then a little bit more!"

"I now see Valentine’s Day as a day to remember the love we had and will forever hold in my heart. My son and I will make a card to put in Daddy’s memory box. I will also cook his favourite meal and buy a few boxes of chocolate to enjoy."

"Now I’m widowed, I use the day to reflect on and think about love in all its different forms. I celebrate our love."

"We can still remember and celebrate the love we shared in other ways by connecting with our partner on the day – in whatever way feels right for us."

"Take each day as it comes. Bad day, good day, indifferent day just try your best to ride the waves. Never feel guilty about your feelings and let your feelings flow."

"I decided last year to celebrate the love of friendship so my friend and I went out to dinner and to a show. In future years I’d love to get a group of friends together and go out for dinner rather than it all be couples."

"Love isn’t just about couples and over the years I’ve celebrated with my daughter. We might have a little pamper evening. I think self-love is equally as important, especially when you no longer have that someone there to spoil. Spoil yourself!"

"I think you just need to be kind to yourself and, if you feel overwhelmed, make space and time to acknowledge the sadness and validate it. It’s OK to feel sad."

 

We are also sharing our #ShareTheirFace collage that has put together to celebrate the love we have for our partners that brought us to WAY on our (public) social media channels @widowedandyoung

Please do continue to share photos of your partner or you and your partner in the comments when this goes live if you wish.

The WAY community is a safe space to talk to others who understand. Do reach out if you are struggling.