Healing Your Lovesick Heart

Feeling lovesick can be an intense and exasperating experience. To all the hopeless romantics who find themselves single on Valentine’s Day, we acknowledge you. Embracing solitude can be an act of courage. Many women today are part of the first generation in their families to live independently, remain child-free, and create careers from the ground up.

Even though our society has taught us from a young age to be attractive, compliant, and to wait for men to rescue us, many of us have understood that we need to rescue ourselves first. Was it your initial heartbreak that closed you off to love? Maybe you were drawn to someone who preferred another over you. These experiences can be quite painful.

Recent studies by psychologists highlight how modern dating can lead to chronic illness in our bodies. Being ghosted is distressing and a type of emotional abuse. Dating the wrong person can be deeply traumatizing. Conversely, when experienced in a safe manner, love can be both inspiring and healing. Some relationships are not meant to last forever but serve to help us progress. This could mean being inspired to start a business or gaining insight into your preferences in intimate relationships.

Dating and love should be rooted in respect, compassion, and deep care. We should all be free to explore people and relationship dynamics, but dating culture requires a great deal of respect. When you hurt the last person you date, it might seem minor, but you are damaging so many other people.

If you're not interested in someone after a date, let them know. If you've been talking to someone and don't feel a connection, express that. While society often tells us we don't owe anything to anyone, we actually owe each other decency and basic empathy. However, if your boundaries have been crossed or you're experiencing harassment, it's appropriate to block those individuals.

The individuals you date deserve to be appreciated and respected as part of the community, regardless of whether you view them romantically. This experience shouldn't be so distressing for many of us. If you find yourself alone this Valentine's Day, consider romanticizing your own life. Begin your day by making a warm cup of tea in the morning, spend some time journaling, attend a yoga class, meditate, and dress up just for yourself. Keep in mind that love develops from within. You've got this!