Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, connection, and togetherness—but for those who are grieving, it can feel like an isolating and painful reminder of loss. Whether you’re mourning a partner, parent, grandparent, sibling, or close friend, this time of year can bring up deep emotions, making it hard to move through a world filled with hearts, flowers, and messages of romance.

Grief and love are deeply intertwined. The pain of loss exists because of the love we have for the person who is no longer here. While Valentine’s Day may feel particularly difficult, there are ways to honor your loved one, care for yourself, and find moments of healing.

Why Holidays Like Valentine’s Day Can Feel Harder

Special days often magnify the absence of someone we love. On Valentine’s Day, messages of love and connection are everywhere—on social media, in stores, and even in conversations with friends and family. If you’re grieving, you might experience:

✔ A resurgence of emotions: Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and milestones like holidays can trigger memories and renewed feelings of loss.

✔ Feelings of loneliness: Seeing others celebrate love may deepen the sense of isolation, especially if your loss was a romantic partner.

✔ Guilt or sadness: You might feel torn between wanting to acknowledge your grief and feeling pressure to “move on” or be happy.

✔ Uncertainty about how to cope: It’s normal to feel unsure about how to honor your loved one, whether to engage with the holiday or ignore it completely.

Whatever you’re feeling, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve on Valentine’s Day. The most important thing is to find what works for you in honoring your emotions and your loved one.

Ways to Honor Your Loved One on Valentine’s Day

Rather than focusing on what’s missing, you might find comfort in creating meaningful ways to acknowledge your love and grief. Here are a few ways to honor the person you’re missing:

• Write a letter to them. Express your love, share what’s on your heart, or tell them about your life today. Writing can be a powerful way to stay connected.
• Light a candle or visit a special place. Taking a moment of reflection in a place that holds meaning can help you feel closer to your loved one.
• Create something in their memory. Whether it’s a scrapbook, artwork, or a playlist of songs that remind you of them, creative expression can be healing.
• Engage in an act of kindness. Honor their spirit by doing something they loved—whether that’s volunteering, donating to a cause, or sharing kindness with someone else.
• Share their story. Talk about them with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Saying their name and sharing memories keeps their presence alive in your heart.

Caring for Yourself During This Time

Grieving through a holiday can be exhausting. It’s important to prioritize your emotional well-being by giving yourself grace, space, and self-care.

💛 Set boundaries. You don’t have to engage in Valentine’s Day traditions if they feel painful. Say no to plans that don’t serve your well-being.

💛 Reach out for support. Connect with friends, family, a grief group, or a therapist who can provide a safe space for your emotions.

💛 Practice self-compassion. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes up—whether that’s sadness, anger, love, or even moments of joy.

💛 Create new traditions. If Valentine’s Day feels overwhelming, consider creating a new way to spend the day that feels meaningful to you.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Grief Alone

If you’re struggling with loss, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Petal & Peak Mental Health, we offer grief support groups and therapy to help you process your loss in a safe and compassionate space.

➡ Join our Facing the Mourning grief group in Denver or online across Colorado. Connect with others who understand and find support in shared healing.

Grief doesn’t erase love—it’s a continuation of it. However you spend Valentine’s Day this year, know that your feelings are valid, your love is real, and healing is possible.

Copyright 2025: Petal & Peak Mental Health. All rights reserved.

Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash