All Psyched Up: Love yourself

By Linda Hancock on February 10, 2024.

Any of my readers who have been following this column for a length of time should be able to attest to the fact that I am a pretty positive person. This week, however, as I was thinking about the economic marketing plan called Valentine’s Day, I started to consider how many people would not be participants.

Let’s ponder about all those who will not be celebrating this holiday in the traditional advertising concept that involves two people who are in a romantic or intimate relationship:

1. Singles – I certainly hope that the individuals who are independent and not in relationship aren’t going to feel devastated or “left out” just because they are alone. This might be particularly difficult for teens who take it personally when they don’t have a special person in their life.

2. Widows/widowers – Valentine’s Day might trigger grief reactions for those who have lost a partner.

3. Separated/Divorced – Those who are leaving what they had hoped would be a life-long love affair are likely not going to be focusing on all the flowers, candy and cards that are being promoted and might even feel jaded about the whole thing.

4. Distanced – If your sweetheart is geographically far away you might reach out with a message or gift but that doesn’t really make up for a hug and whispered sweet nothings.

5. Forgetful/Frugal – There is always someone who can feel hurt when the person who has declared their love doesn’t show it in a way that might be expected. This can actually cause problems when it boomerangs back to the one who didn’t show up with a paper heart or offering.

6. Bitter – There always seems to be at least one in the crowd who just doesn’t want anything that looks personal or sentimental to be going on.

7. Ill – People who are not feeling well are usually focused on things other than celebrating holidays.

So, do you fit into any of the above categories? There are over 7 billion people in the world. Let’s discount the young children and those listed above. Now we get down to a marketing audience that is much smaller, especially if you take out those who cannot afford to participate or don’t have the will to do so.

I think I have an even better idea when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Why don’t we each do something to show that we truly love ourselves?

Maybe a day at the spa. Perhaps a special coffee treat. A walk outdoors. Time to listen to a favourite song or read a special book. Conversation with a good friend.

I remember a few years ago talking with a couple from China who told me about a tradition there. Apparently instead of giving a woman a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day a man will send her eleven roses. The idea is that the twelfth rose is the woman recipient! How lovely.

Are you viewing yourself as a rose? Time to think about what you might do to honour your own beauty and uniqueness.

I have my plans set out. One return ticket to Kauai. Happy Valentine’s Day, Linda!

What’s your plan?

Dr. Linda Hancock, the author of “Life is An Adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice. Visit LindaHancock.com or email her at office@drlindahancock.com.

18
-17