A Valentine’s Day of Love and Care – For Yourself and Others
- s w
- Feb 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s a chance to reflect on how we show love and care, both to others and ourselves. Whether you’re spending the day with a partner, or friends, or embracing solo time, here are some gentle ways to create meaningful moments and celebrate love in all its forms.
Valentine’s Day can bring up many emotions, especially if you're navigating challenging circumstances or working to reclaim your sense of love and worth. Whether you’re in a relationship, focusing on self-love, or finding joy in connections with friends and children, this day can be an opportunity to honor the love you deserve in all its forms.
💖 For Those in Abusive Relationships If you’re in a relationship that feels unsafe or unhealthy, please know this: You are worthy of love that is kind, gentle, and respectful. While it may feel overwhelming, teaching yourself and your children small truths—that love doesn’t hurt, that boundaries matter, and that safety is a priority—is an act of strength and care.
If you’re in New York City or anywhere in the U.S., here are some resources that can help:
Safe Horizon: Call their 24/7 hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or visit safehorizon.org.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org (chat available).
Shalom Task Force: 1-888-883-2323 or visit shalomtaskforce.org.
Footsteps: For those leaving ultra-Orthodox communities, footstepsorg.org offers counseling and support.
You are not alone. There are people who care deeply about your safety and well-being.
Some ways you can enhance this year's Valentine's Day or month:
🌸 Dressing with Care: Choose clothing that feels good against your skin, something that brings comfort and confidence. Maybe that’s a soft sweater or two in a calming color or cute design or maybe it’s a dress that makes you feel radiant. I mean how adorable is this dress? Pair this fun tulle skirt with a comfy sweater or a soft body-hugging top and you're looking amazing! Dressing up—or down— like with this cute sweat suit, can be an act of love for yourself. And if you're into matching sweaters for you and your children then these are adorable!
🎁 Thoughtful Gifting: Gifts don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. A handwritten note, a small bouquet of wildflowers, or a carefully chosen book can be more touching than anything extravagant. For yourself, consider gifting something that nourishes you—a new journal, a luxurious lotion, or even the time to simply sit and rest.
💌 Gestures of Love: Love often lives in the little things: making someone’s favorite tea, pausing to ask how they’re really feeling, or leaving an unexpected kind word. For yourself, gestures might look like finally setting boundaries or giving yourself permission to enjoy something you’ve been putting off.
✨ Decorating for the Heart: If you’re hosting or just want to set a tone for the day or month, decorate your space with intention. Warm candlelight, fresh or Lego flowers, or a few handmade paper hearts can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels like a hug. And of course, throw pillows always add charm and character to every event.
🕊 Mindful Practices: Take time to check in with yourself. How are you feeling today? Maybe you could journal or meditate. Maybe you’d feel more cared for by stepping outside for fresh air or spending time doing something creative. Perhaps you want to sit with a hot beverage in your favorite mug and read a book, or stare into space while letting the sun's rays hit your face, or while listening to some of your favorite music. Be as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one.
Different people to celebrate Valentine's Day with.
🌸 Celebrating with Friends and Children: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to center on romance. It’s a perfect time to nurture the relationships that light up your life, including your friendships and the love you share with the children in your life.
With Significant Others: Have a conversation with your partner about expectations, desires, and needs. Then plan accordingly, it doesn't need to be a big night on the town, it could be an intimate evening or day at home. Whatever works for both of you. If you are looking for something practical to buy a fresh set of pillows is the perfect thing!
With Friends: Host a small gathering where everyone contributes something or exchanges handwritten or verbal notes of gratitude for one another.
With Children: Celebrate with heart-shaped crafts, baking cookies, or even a movie night in matching pajamas. Small acts of love teach children that love is something we give and receive freely.
💌 Simple Ways to Show Love
For yourself: Create a pocket of time to breathe, journal, or savor a favorite meal.
For others: A kind text, a gentle smile, or an offering to help with something small can mean so much.
In your home: Fresh flowers, soft lighting, or even just tidying up a corner can bring calm and care into your space.
🌍 Diverse and Inclusive Love: Let’s celebrate the many forms of love that exist—romantic, platonic, familial, and self-love. This day is for everyone, no matter where they are on their journey.
🕊 Mindful Practices for the Heart: This Valentine’s Day, focus on cultivating love that feels safe and nurturing. Reflect on what love means to you and how you can bring more of it into your life—not just for a day, but as an ongoing practice.
🌹 You Deserve Love
Wherever you find yourself this Valentine’s Day, know that you are deserving of love, safety, and care. Take one small step toward honoring that truth, whether it’s reaching out for support, doing something kind for yourself, or simply resting in the knowledge that you are worthy.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s redefine love as a gentle, expansive practice—one that starts with showing up fully for ourselves and flows outward to everyone we hold dear. You deserve all the care you give so freely to others.
Sending you warmth, kindness, and love today and always. 🌹
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