Valentine’s Day Isn’t Just About Romance—It’s About You
Laura Cyphers Benson
Executive Life Coach | Founder, Mammoth Edge | Helping High-Achievers Stop Overthinking & Take Action in Life & Work
For weeks leading up to February 14th, we’re bombarded with images of love—grand gestures, candlelit dinners, and heart-shaped everything. If you’re in a happy relationship, maybe you welcome it. If you’re not, it can feel like a harsh spotlight on what’s missing.
But what if we’ve been looking at Valentine’s Day all wrong?
What if this day wasn’t about who’s sending you flowers—but about how much love already exists in your life?
The Valentine’s Day Trap
I’ve heard it all:
?? “It’s just a commercial holiday. It doesn’t mean anything.”
?? “I hate seeing everyone else get flowers at work while I get nothing.”
?? “I feel pressure to be romantic, but honestly, I don’t feel that way anymore.”
If Valentine’s Day brings up resentment, loneliness, or obligation, you’re not alone. Whether you're single or in a relationship, the expectations surrounding this day can make it feel more like a test than a celebration.
And here’s the truth no one talks about: Even people in relationships don’t always feel loved on Valentine’s Day.
So instead of measuring love by the size of the bouquet or whether you have dinner reservations, let’s shift the focus.
What If Love Isn’t Missing at All?
Years ago, my life coach told me something that, at the time, made me angry.
She said: "Laura, you need to love yourself first."
I wanted to roll my eyes. If I could do that, I wouldn’t feel so alone, right?
But she was right. I was searching for validation—thinking love had to come from someone else. And as long as I believed that, I was setting myself up for disappointment, especially around Valentine’s Day.
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Loving yourself doesn’t mean avoiding relationships or pretending you don’t want connection. It means:
? Speaking to yourself with kindness.
? Setting boundaries that protect your energy.
? Doing things that bring you joy—without waiting for permission.
And it means realizing that love is all around you.
For me, love shows up in the way my parents check in on me, in my deep conversations with my son, in my friendships that have stood the test of time. It’s in the small, everyday moments that have nothing to do with a romantic partner.
Rewriting the Valentine’s Day Script
If this day feels heavy for you, I want to challenge you:
?? Send yourself flowers. (Seriously. Order them today.)
?? Take yourself out to dinner. And enjoy it without distraction.
?? Write yourself a letter. List out the things you’ve overcome, the ways you’ve grown, and why you’re proud of yourself.
And if you’re in a relationship, ask yourself: Am I showing up with love and intention every day—or just on February 14th?
Valentine’s Day is just one day. But how you see yourself, how you treat yourself—that’s the foundation of everything.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to our February live webinar: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep You from Living a Successful Life. Because the way you experience love, joy, and fulfillment isn’t about a holiday—it’s about how you show up for yourself, every single day.
?? Drop a comment below: What’s one way you’re choosing to celebrate yourself this Valentine’s Day?
Feeling like you’re stuck in old patterns when it comes to love, success, or self-worth? Take my Life Assessment at mammothedge.com and let’s have a conversation about what’s next for you.
Executive Life Coach | Founder, Mammoth Edge | Helping High-Achievers Stop Overthinking & Take Action in Life & Work
2 周?? We’re covering this in our February webinar: Overcoming the Obstacles That Keep You From Living a Successful Life. Drop “LOVE” in the comments, and I’ll send you the details!