Valentine’s Day is just days away and this is another annual holiday that can bring out a lot of raw emotion from individuals who have just gone through a divorce.
All holidays can be challenging after divorce. But divorcing parents tend to put a lot of thought into how they will handle major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, especially in regards to their children.
But Valentine’s Day – the day where so many couples go to such extremes to express their affection for one another – tends to fly under the radar a bit. When the day arrives, it can catch you off-guard and feelings of bitterness and loneliness can creep in.
It shouldn’t be that way, though. Although it is certainly challenging, you can still celebrate love and intimacy, even if you’re newly single.
Here are four tips to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day as a divorced dad.
Make it about the kids.
The biggest reason to not let your emotions get in the way of celebrating Valentine’s Day is your children.
Try to find special ways to let them know how much you care about them.
The Huffington Post recently published a list of great tips for turning Valentine’s Day into a child-centered celebration. Some of their ideas include making a Valentine’s Day card for the other parent, cooking a batch of chocolates together, and even just having a big family dinner together.
The important thing is to make sure your feelings don’t cause them to become jaded. Your marriage didn’t work out, but love and affection should still play an important role in the relationship you have with your kids.
Buy yourself a gift.
Hey, you don’t have to worry about spending money on roses and a fancy dinner, so why not spend that cash on yourself?
Maybe there’s a new gadget you’ve been wanting. Head to the mall and beef up your wardrobe or go catch a flick that you know your ex would hate.
It’s OK to make this day about yourself for a change.
Have a “losers” party with your buddies.
If you have a few pals who are also single, embrace the fact that you’re single. You don’t have to go crazy, but doesn’t it sound like a great time to have your buddies for a few beers and rounds of poker?
It’s not necessarily a bad thing that you’re on your own and don’t have to deal with the pressure of coming up with a perfect Valentine’s Day date. Embrace being single!
Get off the couch and do something physical.
A night on the couch with pizza and Netflix might be the perfect “single guy Valentine’s Day” for some, but others might need to get out and get their mind off things.
You should have plenty of options. Go for a walk in the park or go hiking on a new trail you’ve been meaning to check out. Jump on your bike and ride across the city.
Exercise can be some of the best therapy. It refreshes your mind and is probably the healthiest way to kick your Valentine’s Day blues.
