Article for High Net Worth magazine
Your first Valentine’s Day after divorce can feel unexpectedly heavy. Even if you thought you were coping well, the build-up to the day can stir memories, expectations and a quiet sense of loss for what once was. It is rarely just about the 14th of February itself, but about what the day used to represent — and the realisation that this year, it is undeniably different. This article explores why that emotional weight is so common, and why trying to ignore or minimise the day often makes it harder rather than easier.
Rather than positioning Valentine’s Day as something to survive, the article invites a more intentional approach. It looks at how letting go of old rituals and comparisons can create space for something new, and why redefining the day on your own terms can be both grounding and empowering. This is not about dismissing Valentine’s Day as irrelevant, but about allowing it to evolve into a form that reflects who you are now, rather than who you were in a relationship that has ended.
In this article, I share reflections and gentle guidance on how to approach your first Valentine’s Day after divorce with greater self-compassion and clarity.