Even if you're not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, I think most people would agree that it kind of sucks to be single on Feb. 14. Even more so if it's your first Valentine's Day after your divorce.
It's not so much that you miss all of the festivities of Valentine's Day, it's more about the holiday being another giant reminder that you're divorced. Even if you and your ex hadn't celebrated V-Day in years, it's a punch in the gut to realize you aren't getting any flowers because you have an ex, not because your partner doesn't believe in "Hallmark holidays."
Any holiday after your divorce can be crushing, sure, but there's just something really sad about that first Valentine's Day post-split. Unlike Christmas, which is full of lots of distractions, and birthdays, which you celebrated before you were ever married, V-Day is a holiday targeted for couples and you're no longer part of its demographic. There's no one to buy a mushy Valentine's Day card for, there's not going to be a candlelit dinner that night, and there isn't going to be sex after you're out of that expensive, red lingerie you're never going to wear again.
But you know what? All you need are these 11 ways to cope with your first Valentine’s Day and you'll be good as new. In fact, you might even look forward to the holiday. So put on something red and sexy, OK? (Or something red and comfy like that ancient pair of Old Navy fleece pajamas.)