It’s hard to believe how much life has changed in just a year, as last Valentine’s Day was probably the last “normal” holiday we had before COVID hit. Honestly, I’m not sure if I remember how to walk in high heels, and while restaurants here are finally reopening at 25% capacity indoors, it’s going to take me a while to work up to that. But those are small challenges in comparison to the daunting task of finding someone I’d even want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with– and thankfully I know I’m not alone on that front.

Throughout the years, I have celebrated just about every version you can think of for Valentine’s Day–either as someone’s significant other or as a single woman enjoying Galentine’s Day with my other fabulous single friends, and even as the host of an anti-Valentine’s Day party, where we took turns bashing a heart-shaped pinata. But now it’s COVID, and after discovering my ex is a serial cheater (who then became my stalker when I called it quits) I now face the most bizarre Valentine’s Day of all.  But thankfully, God has a sense of humor and in that vein I received an invite to a Zoom wedding, which I am actually really looking forward to attending.

Valentine’s Day I’ve learned is what you make of it.  Although I can’t (or won’t) go to the spa or travel anywhere, at least while working from home this past year I have learned to cook some amazing dishes, and I embraced the game of golf.  So of course for Valentine’s Day I got myself some golf lessons and a warm Peter Millar vest.  And, during my friends’ nuptials I will enjoy an amazing home cooked meal in the comfort of my own home,  while basking in the joy that the desire to be in a loving, committed relationship is still very much alive out there.

Hopefully, you too will choose to celebrate love and life this Valentine’s Day, whether on your own or with those closest to you.  If you are in that unfortunate “it’s complicated” phase of a relationship, take heart that you are not alone.  We’ve all had to swallow a shit-sandwich every now and then.  That’s just how life is, and rather than cry hopefully you can find a way to laugh about it later.  In fact, one of my friends has developed a whole comedy show about this called, “Divorce Diaries,” which will have a special show this weekend.    Here’s a hilarious interview I did with her this week: 

Finding The Humor In Your Own Divorce Journey – YouTube

By Regina A. DeMeo