The last thing anyone wants to hear on Valentine’s Day is, “I think we should break up.” A day, all about professing your love and gratitude for a significant other, and yet a myriad of breakups and broken hearts occur, which can be a rather confusing concept.
A big culprit of this phenomenon is individuals who are in relationships around Valentine’s Day–whether they have been together briefly or for a long time–are, in a way, forced to have a major check-in regarding their partner and the relationship as a whole. The holiday causes many unwanted and suppressed thoughts to appear, such as whether or not this is someone they can see themselves with in the future. While some choose to participate in fleeting romantic relationships, most people choose to date long-term, and Valentine’s Day can serve as a big day for reevaluation.
Something that may come up during that re-evaluation is whether your partner truly sees you and understands how you love and desire to be loved. There is a popular saying, “To be loved is to be seen,” which, in essence, means that people feel most loved when they feel understood and heard by their significant other. This can be shown by remembering small details or small meaningful gifts rather than something expensive and generic. Valentine’s Day really puts this to the test by creating a huge opportunity for people to show their partners whether or not they pay close attention to them and their needs and wants regarding professions of love.
When partners feel unseen or misunderstood, it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and disconnection. Valentine’s Day, with its heightened expectations and focus on romantic gestures, can amplify these feelings. If one partner feels that their needs and desires are not being met, it can bring underlying issues to the surface. This realization can be a catalyst for reevaluating the relationship and deciding whether to continue or end it.
Another factor contributing to break ups around Valentine’s Day is the anticipation of summer. As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, people often start thinking about the freedom and opportunities that summer brings. For some, this includes the idea of being single and enjoying the social activities, travel, and new experiences that come with the season. The prospect of a carefree summer can be enticing, leading individuals to reconsider their current relationship status and whether they want to be tied down when summer arrives.
Additionally, the societal pressure to have a perfect Valentine’s Day can create stress and anxiety. This pressure can exacerbate existing tensions within the relationship. Couples might argue over how to celebrate, what gifts to give, or how much to spend, leading to conflicts that might not otherwise arise. The holiday’s emphasis on romance and grand gestures can make any shortcomings in the relationship more apparent, prompting some to reconsider their compatibility and future together.
Ultimately, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of what a relationship should ideally be: a partnership built on mutual understanding, love, and respect. When these elements are lacking, the holiday can highlight the deficiencies, leading some couples to the difficult decision to part ways. While breaking up around Valentine’s Day can be particularly painful, it can also be a necessary step towards finding a relationship that truly fulfills and supports both partners.
