Military Relationships: Surviving Valentine’s Day On Your Own

Military relationships are hard, they’re even harder on holidays that are all about love. Come February 1st everything is centered around Valentine’s Day. Hearts, flowers, and advertisements are plastered everywhere – meanwhile you’re sitting at home knowing this Valentine’s Day you’ll be celebrating without your loved one.

Let’s face it, it’s difficult to get into the “love season” when you and your loved one are apart and time seems at a standstill. But being alone doesn’t mean you can’t have a great Valentine’s Day.

I’ve spent the last three years away from my Marine – and can confidently say I’ve had a great Valentine’s Day each year. So here are my tips on how to make the best of being away from your service member on Valentine’s Day.

Look Good, Feel Good.

Wake up and pick out your favorite outfit, maybe splurge and get that top you’ve been eyeing for a while. Just because you’re alone on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel good about yourself.

Your service member might not be around today for you to “dress to impress”, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it for yourself. Get dressed, do your hair, and get ready to have a day filled with love.

Eat Breakfast Like a King.

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so your breakfasts should already be pretty great. But this Valentine’s Day make it even better – give yourself extra time to make that avocado toast we all know you secretly love. Heart-shaped pancakes, you deserve it – and don’t skimp out on the chocolate chips.

If you’re on the go like me head to your nearest bakery and take full advantage of the donuts with all of the Valentines sprinkles. A great breakfast is sure-fire way to start the day off right.

Get Some Air.

This time of the year the weather can be a bit finicky, but if the sun happens to be out for you, I highly recommend taking full advantage of the sun’s warm rays.

Being inside all day can get old quick, take a walk during lunch to a coffee shop nearby or just to change the scenery. You’ll be pumping endorphins soon enough.

If the weather doesn’t permit take the scenic drive home and blast Spotify’s Valentine’s Day Mixtape.

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXc7oXlGIH1Xq?si=G71dV0ATRYm3liybOMmwEQ

Spoil Yourself.

Let’s face it, being in a military relationship is hard, and you’re going to be making sacrifices throughout. You deserve to spoil yourself with some self love and pampering.

After work stop by the store to pick up a face-mask, some of your favorite comfort foods, and a good movie – this night is all about you! Invite some friends over who might be spending the evening alone too, it’s the ultimate night in.

Pause and Reflect.

Let’s be honest, you’re going to see a lot of happy couples that get to be together on Valentine’s Day, reminding you that not only do you not get to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one, but you probably won’t be seeing them for a while.

It’s really easy to start thinking about all of the things you might not like about your relationship; the distance, little to no communication, and having little time together. So before you go to bed, make a list of the ten things you LOVE about your relationship, and your significant other.

You’ll shift your focus from the negatives about your relationship, and go to bed uplifted, happy and excited for the day you get to be back with your service member.

At the end of the day remember, you do have someone out there that loves you and would be there with balloons, flowers, candy, cookies, and a teddy bear if they could.

Spend the day loving yourself and loving that you have a great relationship and you’ll find that Valentine’s Day on your own isn’t so bad.

Ready for more military relationship advice? Read about what you can expect as you begin this new journey with your loved one.