New Delhi: Valentine’s Day can feel a little extra if you’re single. Even if you’re usually fine on your own, February 14 has a way of shining a bright light on relationship status. That spotlight can stir up all kinds of feelings — from indifference to loneliness, from confidence to quiet self-doubt.
According to psychotherapist Dr Chandni Tugnait, this emotional mix is more common than people think. The important thing, she says, isn’t to force yourself to feel happy or pretend you don’t care. It’s about being aware of what’s coming up — and not running away from it.
Let Yourself Feel Whatever Shows Up
One of the simplest — and hardest — things to do is to stop judging your own emotions.
“If you feel fine, that’s okay. If you feel low, that’s also okay,” Dr Tugnait says. The problem often isn’t the emotion itself. It’s the second layer — the voice that says, “Why am I feeling this?” or “I should be more evolved than this by now.”
Emotional honesty tends to calm the mind far more than forced positivity ever can. Some people genuinely don’t care about Valentine’s Day. Others do. Both reactions are valid. There’s no “correct” way to feel.
Stay Connected — But Choose Your People
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romance. Connection can come in many forms.
Dr Tugnait suggests reaching out to people who make you feel grounded — close friends, siblings, parents, even that one friend who always makes you laugh. The idea is to surround yourself with warmth, not comparison.
Small acts of care can help too. Go for a walk. Hit the gym. Cook something comforting. Or just rest without guilt. These small decisions send a quiet message to your nervous system: you’re safe, supported, and okay.
Take a Break From Social Media
Let’s be honest — social media on Valentine’s Day can feel overwhelming. Perfect dinner dates. Surprise proposals. Filtered smiles.
“Social media can distort reality on Valentine’s Day, making it seem like everyone else is partnered and happy,” Dr Tugnait explains.
But what we see online is curated. It’s a highlight reel, not the full story. Stepping away from endless scrolling can protect your emotional space. Sometimes the healthiest move is simply logging off.
Don’t Turn It Into Self-Criticism
Another common pattern? Using Valentine’s Day as proof that something is “wrong.”
Dr Tugnait cautions against spiralling into thoughts about worth or the future. Being single on one particular day says nothing about your lovability, she emphasises. It doesn’t define your value. And it certainly doesn’t predict what lies ahead.
Relationship status is a circumstance — not a character certificate.
Mahindra Scorpio N Pickup Spotted Without Camouflage in India, Launch Expected Soon
Reframing the Day
At its core, being single on Valentine’s Day isn’t a failure state. It’s just a moment in time.
When approached with self-respect instead of self-judgment, the day can become a reminder that your worth isn’t tied to who you’re dating — or whether you’re dating at all.
Sometimes the healthiest shift isn’t dramatic. It’s quiet. It’s choosing to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend.
And maybe that’s what Valentine’s Day can be about too.
